Shaft-Tail Finch

Description: The Shaft-Tail or Long-Tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda) is a common species of estrildid finch found in Australia; also known as the Blackheart Finch, Heck’s grassfinch, Heck’s Grass Finch, and Heck’s Finch. Shaft Tail finches for sale are found in abundance and are second only to Zebra Finch in terms of population. These birds are further classified into two sub-species – the Yellow-billed variety (Poephila acuticauda) and the red-billed variety (Poephila acuticauda hecki).

Size: 13-15 cm (5-6 inches) in length

Lifespan: 7 to 10 years

Temperament: Active, comical, nosy. Breeding birds may become aggressive towards more passive species.

Breeding: The Shaft-tail can be considered an eager breeder if given the right accommodations. Because they are picky, individuals should be allowed to select their own mate from a group of at least 8-10 birds. Colony breeding is possible, however, the dominant pair(s) may discourage the breeding of those lower in the pecking order.

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