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DESCRIPTION 5 inches (12 to 13cm). Light tan, mottled with a black bar on each feather, grey-brown on tail and primaries. The male has a bright red band across its throat and cheeks.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION Africa, south of Sahara, in three subspecies.
HABITAT Savannah, bush, farmland and near villages, in pairs during breeding, in sometimes large flocks other times. Broods in trees or deserted weaver and sparrow nests.
DIET Insects, sprouted seeds.
SPECIAL NEEDS Cut Throat Finch need a steady supply of minerals and cuttlefish bone since female susceptible to egg binding. Keep only with species of same size because they destroy nests of smaller birds.
CAGE LIFE Suitable for both large cages and aviaries. The Cut Throat Finch is a good breeder, should limit to three broods per year. Uses half-open nest boxes, preferring dry grass, feathers, hay and wool. Lays 4 to 9 eggs, incubation 12 to 14 days, fledging 18 to 20 days, incubated and reared by both sexes.
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