Ortolan Bunting
Characteristics
In the summer the male has a gray head with greenish tinge. Neck greenish-brown. Back darker with black stripes. White throat and eye ring (becoming more yellow as the birds grow older). Olive gray breast. Upperparts brown. In the winter the bird is considerably duller and lighter. Females are duller then males. Eyes dark brown, beak light brown, legs brownish-yellow.
Social Behaviors
Prefers to be kept in pairs or colonies.
Housing
Finch, canary, bird of paradise, lyrebird, starling, wren, warbler, or bunting, they will need the largest cage you can afford; since they are not usually finger-tamed and spend most of their time in their cage, they need plenty of room. Cage width and depth are more important than height. Make sure the cage is zinc-safe and lead-free, with appropriate bar size and spacing. Natural hardwood branches make the best perches; sandpaper perches should never be used. Choose a variety of non-toxic wood or acrylic toys to keep your bird busy, and rotate them to avoid boredom.
Diet
These birds should be fed a variety of foods, including vitamin-fortified seed mix, dark green, leafy vegetables, yams, carrots, hard boiled eggs, and some fruit. Grit, gravel, and oyster shells should never be given. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Vitamin supplements are not needed with this diet.
Cleaning
Tray liners should be replaced every day and the cage bottom, fittings and dishes regularly washed with hot water and soap. Once a month, disinfect the cage with diluted bleach; be sure to rinse thoroughly. Line the tray with black and white newspaper or paper towels. It is unsafe to use pine/cedar shavings, corn cob or walnut bedding.
Fertility
During the breeding period males can become quite aggressive, even towards large birds. The species build their nest on the ground from grass, hay, leaves and such, but occupy nest pans and half open nest boxes as well. The female lays 4-5 red-grayish eggs with dark spots which hatch in about 12 days.
Health
Finch, canary, bird of paradise, lyrebird, starling, wren, warbler, or bunting, they should have a complete exam by a qualified AVIAN vet at least once a year or ASAP if any bleeding, injuries, or other signs are noted. It can be hard to tell when a bird is ill, and by the time you notice a problem, the sickness is usually well-advanced. Delaying a visit with an AVIAN vet or using over-the-counter or human medicines, which mask the signs of illness, is likely to cost your bird’s life.
Warnings
Finch, canary, bird of paradise, lyrebird, starling, wren, warbler, or bunting, they have very sensitive respiratory systems and should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, aerosols, harsh cleaning products, or other toxic fumes.
