The Small Guys

The Small Guys.

Since Anima Mundi Sanctuary gives home to birds indiscriminately, it is only expected that in between all the branches and leaves, many little feathered friends find a place to call home. Although they are hard to spot and sometimes hard to hear over the loudness of the macaws, they are none the less there, and a real treat to see in the canopy. Some of the pics of the small birds were taken by other photographers since our birds were not cooperating and decided to hide behind leaves. However,for the 2-3 shots we had to go elsewhere, we chose pics that most closely represent our birds and their habitat

The Zebra Clan (Taeniopygia Guttata Castanotis).

In the beginning a pair of zebra finches came to Anima Mundi from Garden Grove. They were released in the aviary and almost immediately they went to work building a nest. Next day, to our surprise, there was another pair of Zebra finches that came to join the others. Since our aviary has 1 inch holes on top, finches find it rather easy to go in and out. Now, 5 months later, there is an established flock of Zebras. It is a joy to watch them fly out of the aviary in the morning and fiddle around in the garden. They fly in compact formation and sleep, eat, drink, and nest in the aviary. Their life is one of continuous movement and they build amazing nests with one and two stories.

The Canaries (Serinus Canaria hybrid).

There are 3 canaries in the aviary. One male and 2 females. The male is salmon colored and the females pure lemony yellow. The male is an accomplished singer and his voice can be heard for hours non stop at almost any time of the day. They never leave the aviary. They have a passion for flowers, fruits, and greens of any sort. They add so much liveliness through their crystalline song and bright colors.


The European Gold Finches (Carduelis Carduelis) .

Our pair of European Gold Finches came to us from the Pomona Bird show. They were looking kind of drab and the guy selling them doubted they will make it. I got to take them home and did not see them around for weeks after that. I figured that they either left or have passed away. However, one morning I heard this happy little song that I knew it wasn't the canary. I looked around and on a branch of the peach tree was the pair of goldfinches. They looked so different from the birds I brought home. The male was singing and swaying from side to side. They are a bit more shy than the other birds and we only get glimpses of them from time to time.

The Yellow Hooded Blackbirds (Agelaius Icterocephalus ).

I remember to this day going to visit one of my friends in Anaheim. He told me that someone gave him a pair of birds that were too aggressive for his little finches cage and asked me if I wanted to take them home. I looked at them and they reminded me of the grackles and marsh birds you see in Texas. I told him I will give it a try though I wasn't quite sure if I could offer them the optimal habitat. I got them home and looked them up on line. Apparently they are native to South America and I was concerned that they might not make the winter so I monitored them closely. They adapted very fast and I was pleased to find out that they were not aggressive at all. The male constructed this elaborate nest up in the branches of the lemon tree and every morning sings his metallic tunes in the crisp air. At times, after a night in the 30s, you could see his warm breath while he sings. They seem to be doing great in spite of a few colder nights. The male blends in so perfectly in the lemon tree.


The Shaft-tail Finches (Poephila Acuticauda).

Our trio of Shaft-tails have been with us for a few years. They are very social and on a lucky day, they will pick mealworms right out of my hand. They are inquisitive and bold and love to harass the cats for hair for their nests. These little guys build multiple nests. They raised many babies successfully and they are with my friend George in Anaheim that has an aviary dedicated only to Shaft-tails. Even though they could, these little fellows never leave the aviary other then to collect nest building material and insects.

The Cuban Finch (Tiaris Canora).

We call him Don Juan and he is a Cuban Melodious Grassquit. He adopted us. He came from nowhere and loves the aviary, though seldom stays in there for more than a few hours. He always makes his presence know and he is quite boisterous. I noticed he dislikes the House Sparrows as he always chases them away from the house. I am sad we can't offer him a mate to give him more of a purpose.

The Orange Weaver Clan (Ploceus Aurantius).

After we built the aviary, 5 brown sparrow looking birds came inside and decided not to leave. To my horror, I noticed them ripping to shreds various plants inside and building nests left and right. I knew they were from the Ploceidae family from their general appearance but had no idea which variety. After a few months, one of them started turning orange and black and that's when I realized that our guests were Orange Weavers. They move freely in and out of the aviary and their nests are now in the whole neighborhood. After last summer I noticed they are about 15 and growing. Their plant harvesting is not as intense though they love the many sugar cane clumps in the area. They came to our house from a colony that I observed in this creek area where a lot of bamboo is present. The boss of our little colony has the most charming displays. He gets a bit nasty with other birds but they all learnt to give him ample space.

The Diamond Doves (Geopelia Cuneata).

My friend Adrian gave us a pair of Diamond Doves when he decided he had too many. I was a bit scared to have them in the aviary as doves are slow and parrots can be mean. Within the first few days, the male got his tail plucked by the Eclectus female. However, they learnt fast to keep away from the curved beaks. There are now five of them, though it is impossible to spot them unless they're basking in the sun.

The Button Quails (Excalfactoria Chinensis).

The pair of little quails is more often heard then seen. Their hawk like little cries are heard from tome to time. They hide under the bush of pampas grass and rarely wander far from it. They have a very secretive nature and most would never know that unless you house them in a very vegetated aviary.

The Java Sparrows (Padda/Lonchura Oryzivora) .

This pair came from Adrian as well and they have a very peaceful nature. They love to perch high and never leave the aviary. I never knew how much these birds love water. They literally spend hours in the bird bath. From time to time you can hear the male's bubbly song.

The Baglafecht or Speke's Weaver( Ploceus Baglafecht).

This male was given to me by a friend. I am almost positive it is a Baglafecht Weaver though others have said it is a Speke's Weaver. He is a large bird, almost the size of the Yellow Hooded Blackbirds, with a shorter, sturdy tail. He is not aggressive and very quiet. He is quite confiding and loves mealworms. We are still trying to figure out what he really is. Please help if you know for sure.