Zebra Finch: Love of Music

One of the more common grass Finches in Australia, Zebra Finch stands out in his striking zebra stripes and red beak. As an extremely social Bird, He lives in closely knit flocks. So close are they that each Flock has their own bathing and preening site. In addition, a special tree with a “courting branch” is set aside for Zebra Finch and his Mate.

This hardy Bird can survive for weeks without water. In fact, Zebra Finch retains and reuses more water than what other Birds often lose in their urine. However, He often makes his home close to water. (To find nearby water, many hikers in the Outback often listen for his distinctive calls.)

What Zebra Finch is famous for are his songs. Dreaming in sound, He often composes his songs in his sleep. Moreover, Father Zebra Finch passes his songs on to his Sons. Each new “beep, meep, oi, a-acha” are carefully worked into the Sons’ complex songs that They will pass on.

Zebra Finch is a sterling example for musicians who want to further their musicianship. Like a virtuoso, He adjusts his singing style to his audiences. As a composer, Zebra Finch creates, ponders, and dreams of music – melodies and harmonies. In his own way, He personifies the life of a musician.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
To find your animal teacher, see my website: Animal Teachers
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Canary: Joy in Service

“Canary” conjures up a vision of a yellow ball of fluff singing their heart out. He brings sunshine and happiness to wherever He is. For many, joy is synonymous with Canary.

In the wild, Canary is yellow green and grey-brown, instead of bright primary colors. His colors help Him to blend into his surroundings. However, his voice makes Him known to all.

Like other Finches, Canary lives in large flocks. Only during breeding season does He pairs off with his Mate. After choosing their nesting site, Canary collects the building materials. Then his Mate builds a neat nest. While She incubates their eggs, He feeds Her. Together, They raise their Chicks.

After being introduced to people, Canary has helped them in many ways. “Miners’ Canary” warns miners of seeping gasses, while “Climate Canary” tells people of bad air. Of course, “Singing Canary” brings joyful songs to all.

Greeting each day with hope and purpose, Canary shows us how to live a life filled with light and joy. Through helping people, He shows how service can be life-affirming. Learn joy in service from this small Bird. Remember not to overdo it or you may become an ill-fated “Miners’ Canary”.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
To find your animal teacher, see my website: Animal Teachers
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Finch Family: Bringing Smiles to All

Many bird watchers often call small Songbirds that eat seeds “Finches”. (Some even refer to Them as “Little Brown Jobs” (LBJs)). However, not every “Finch” is a Finch. In fact, Darwin’s famous Finches are actually relatives of Tanagers.

There are only two groups of Finches – Fringillids (True Finches) and Estrildids. True Finches are Canaries, Crossbills, Hawaiian Creepers, and Siskins. Estrildids consists of Waxbills and relatives of Old World Sparrows. A major difference between the two is their primaries (feathers). Estrildids have ten while Fringillids have nine. Another difference is that Estrildids brood chicks in covered nests, while Fringillid chicks defecate in theirs.

Finches have special adaptations for eating seeds. They wedge the seed into a groove on the roof of their mouths. Then They raise their lower jaw to hold it. Before crushing the seed, Finches peel off the husk with their tongue, and discard it. Thus the seed is handily consumed.

Watching these sprightly Birds can be a treat. Gregarious and social Finches bounce around chattering to each other. Through their antics and songs, these happy little Birds bring smiles to people. Finches live their lives in joyousness and purposeful activity. They are more than LBJs; Finches bring smiles to all who watch them.

Science Note:
Canaries and Purple Finches are Fringillids, while Zebra Finches are Estrildids.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers

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Lessons of the Purple Finch

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpuieus)

Found in the Northeast and Southern United States, Purple Finch is a stout bird. Unlike House Finch, he can lift his feathers into a near crest. Also his raspberry coloring on his head, breast, and rump distinguishes Purple Finch from his fellow finches.

Living in coniferous forests and in open pastures, Purple Finch forages for seeds and berries. During the winter, He often visits local bird feeders for sunflower seeds and millet. Fond of salt, Purple Finch appreciates the human who sets out a salt cake. Loving water, He will use a birdbath in the winter.

Purple Finch carefully weaves and lines her nest with animal hair and soft grasses. Her cuplike nest can be found in the front of conifers. So carefully constructed are these nests that Purple Finches will use them for generations to come.

Aggressive in defending his territory, Purple Finch is no match for House Finch and English Sparrow. These two invaders have driven Purple Finches out of many nesting places. The State Bird of New Hampshire, Purple Finch is loosing out to these introduced birds everywhere.

Will this bird of glorious song disappear from the American landscape? Will the time come when people will not witness Purple Finch tenderly offer his mate a stick for their nest? As Purple Finch weaves her nest for posterity, so do we weave the web of our world. This bird gives us pause for thought.

Sources:

Roth, Sally, “The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide”, Rodale Inc, New York, 2007

______, “All About Birds: Purple Finch”, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, accessed 17 Nov 2008

______, “Bird Web: Purple Finch”, Seattle Audubon Society, accessed 17 Nov 2008

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

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