Buy Owl Finch Online

Double-barred finches for sale, or Owl Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii) is an estrildid finch found in dry savannah, tropical lowlands, dry grassland, and shrubland habitats in northern and eastern Australia. They are sometimes referred to as Bicheno’s finches and owing to the dark ring of feathers around their faces. The name of the species commemorates James Ebenezer Bicheno, a colonial secretary of Van Diemen’s Land appointed in September 1842. The Owl finch needs generous housing, and does best in a larger space. An aviary that’s full of branches and safe foliage is a great choice for the Owl Finch. They will get along with most other Australian and Old World finches, as well as canaries, but they don’t like to be crowded.

Geography: Australia

Song/Call: Click to hear the Owl Finch

Size: Approximately 4.33″

Life Span: Up to 10 years

Sexing: Monomorphic (visually difficult to sex). DNA testing is available to ensure desired gender.

DNA Testing

If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.

Temperament: Social, friendly, active, peaceful. Owl finches are also active little birds and curious, too. They will come check anything new added to their aviary or flight cage.

Breeding: These gregarious seed-eating birds build their nests in grass, a bush or low tree, and lay four eggs. Owl finches are generally good parents, but some can be a little too carefree with their sitting habits, or can toss the occasional baby out of the nest. It’s convenient to have other similarly sized finches nesting at the same time, such as zebra and society finches, who will generally willingly foster the eggs or babies. Owls that are good parents will also foster other species as well.

Diet: Classic Finch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Millet, Dried Egg Food, Mineral Grit, live food (mealworms), greens