Silvereye
BirdCare.com.au
PO  Box 126 Mitcham Vic 3132 ( Victoria, Australia )

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. silvereye
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  • An Australian Finch
  • Scientific Name: Zosterops lateralis
  • Common Name/s: SILVEREYE.
  • Sub Species in country / area of origin: About 7 in Australia.  About 14 in total are recognised but some are now extinct.
  • Origin / Distribution: All states of Australia except Northern Territory.
  • Habitat In Wild: Found in a diverse range of habitats.  Prefers forests and woodlands but has adapted to use urban areas and parks and gardens.
  • Status In Wild: Common. Regarded as a pest in some farming areas such as grape growing areas.
  • Status In (Australian) Captivity: Not a common bird.
  • Age To Sexual Maturity: ?
  • Best breeding years (estimate): ?
  • Sexing: Monomorphic / Dimorphic.
  • Colour mutations: ?
  • Availability: Specialist breeders.
  • Temperament: Usually shy secretive birds.
  • Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $60
  • Description Of Adults:
  1. Length: Approx. 125 mm (or approx 5 inches)
  2. Colour ( "normal" colour ): Refer photo/s above if available.
  3. Weight: Approx 10 - 12 gms (or approx 1/3 ozs)

Aviary Notes:

Level Of Knowledge Required: Beginner / Intermediate / Advanced / Specialist Breeders Only.

Government Regulations & By-Laws:  Refer to "Government Laws" web page.

Housing Requirements: Click on "Softbills" web page for full details on the housing of  Softbills or read on for specific details for this finch.

In the wild Silvereyes are mainly arboreal and forage in the foliage of shrubs and trees. Local flowering native shrubs are ideal and a selection of growing native grasses will benefit the birds and make the aviary visually attractive.

Diet / Feeding: Click on "Softbills" web page for full details on the nutrition of  Softbills or read on for specific details for this finch.

Natural diet of the silvereye includes fruits, berries and insects.  May consume nectar.  Insects are its prime food source. They love ripe grapes.

Nesting: A basic overview only.

  • Roosting nest: Yes / No
  • Nesting months: September to February.
  • Nesting receptacles: Both parent birds build a cup shaped nest from fine grasses and plant material that is held together with cobwebs.  The nest is lined with fine grasses and hair.
  • Nest: In the wild the nest is usually built in a bush, shrub or tree.  The nest is suspended by the rim of the nest.
  • Who incubates the eggs: Hen / cock / both share.

Breeding: Egg Colour Pale blue.  Clutch/s per year 2.  Eggs per nest 2 - 4.  Incubation approx. 12 days.  Fledge approx. 14 - 16 days.  Independent approx. another 3 - 4 weeks.  Both parent birds feed and care for the young.

The young can usually be left in the same aviary as the parents after the parent birds have started the next clutch.

Artificial incubation, hand rearing or fostering will not be covered on this web site.  It is too complex and diverse in nature to be attempted here. Refer "Specific References" as listed below and "General References" listings.

Health Issues: Refer "Avian Health Issues" web page for information and references.

  • Worming and parasite control and Quarantine requirements of new birds or sick birds are considered to require veterinary advice and therefore not covered on this web site. Refer above option - "Avian Health Issues" web page.
  • Avian medicine is advancing at a rapid pace. Keep updating your knowledge and skills.

General References: Refer to references listed on "Book References" web page.

Specific References:

  • Australian Aviculture
  • A/A Vol 47 No. 3 Mar 1993 Page 63-66 (Inc photo)
  • A/A Vol 10 No 6 Jun 1956 Page 72.
  • A/A Vol 7 No 9 Sept 1953 Page 101.
  • A/A Vol 7 No 8 Aug 1953 Page 94.
  • A/A Vol 2 No 3 Mar 1948 Page 21.
  • Australian Birdkeeper
  • ABK Vol 15 Issue 6. Dec-Jan 2003 Page 351-352
  • ABK Vol 7 Issue 5. Oct-Nov 1994 Page 241-243

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