Top 10 finches for aviaries and pets, priced

Written by: Petrus Albertus Van Tonder

August 07, 2024

Updated on September 21, 2024

AviculturistPetrus Albertus Van Tonder

At World Wide Birds, I am passionate about the vibrant and diverse world of birds. My mission is to provide the highest level of care, knowledge, and support to bird enthusiasts, breeders, and pet owners. With years of hands-on experience in aviculture, I strive to be a trusted resource for those who share our love for these remarkable creatures.

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Expertises: Aviculture, Twitcher and birder, Wildlife photographer, Bird writer

Finches are popular choices for aviaries and as pets due to their vibrant colors, pleasant songs, and relatively easy care requirements. Here are the top 10 finches commonly kept in aviaries and as pets, (with estimated price ranges):

1 – Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

1. Description: One of the most popular pet finches, known for their striking black and white striped pattern and red-orange beak.
2. Care: Hardy and easy to care for, making them great for beginners.
3. Price: $10 – $40
4. Notes: Widely available and affordable, making them ideal for beginners.
5. Various mutations are available.

2 – Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)

1. Description: Renowned for their vibrant colors, including red, yellow, green, and purple. Often referred to as the “rainbow finch.”
2. Care: Requires a bit more attention to detail in terms of diet and environment.
3. Price: $75 – $200
4. Notes: Known for their stunning colors; prices can vary based on the color mutation.

3 – Society Finch (Lonchura domestica)

1. Description: Also known as the Bengalese Finch, they are social and can be found in a variety of colors and patterns.
2. Care: Excellent for aviaries due to their friendly nature and ease of care.
3. Price: $10 – $30
4. Notes: Inexpensive and easy to care for, making them popular in community aviaries.

4 – Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda)

1. Description: Recognizable by their red face and yellow-green plumage with white spots.
2. Care: Peaceful and easy to manage, suitable for mixed aviaries.
3. Price: $50 – $150
4. Notes: Slightly rarer than Zebra and Society Finches, with a calm temperament.

5 – Java Sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora)

1. Description: A larger finch with a pinkish beak and distinctive black and white head markings.
2. Care: Requires more space due to their size and is very social.
3. Price: $25 – $100
4. Notes: Requires more space due to their size, and their social nature makes them a popular choice.

6 – Owl Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)

1. Description: Known for their owl-like facial pattern with brown and white coloration.
2. Care: Calm and friendly, they thrive in community aviaries.
3. Price: $30 – $80
4. Notes: Easygoing and good for community aviaries, with a unique appearance.

7 – Cordon Bleu Finch (Uraeginthus spp.)

1. Description: Recognized for their beautiful blue plumage, often with red on the face in males.
2. Care: Requires a warm environment and is slightly more sensitive to changes.
3. Price: $50 – $150
4. Notes: Prices vary based on species and availability; they have a delicate nature.

8 – Firetail Finch (Stagonopleura bella)

1. Description: Small finches with a striking combination of red, black, and white in their plumage.
2. Care: Requires more specialized care regarding diet and environment.
3. Price: $100 – $200
4. Notes: Less common and requires specific care, impacting their price.

9 – Cut-throat Finch (Amadina fasciata)

1. Description: Known for the distinctive red band across their throat, giving them their name.
2. Care: Can be more aggressive, so they require careful management in mixed aviaries.
3. Price: $30 – $100
4. Notes: Known for their unique appearance, but may require careful management in aviaries.

10 – Canary (Serinus canaria domestica)

1. Description: Although not a true finch, canaries are closely related and very popular for their singing ability and bright colors.
2. Care: Easy to care for and available in a wide variety of colors and song types.
3. Price: $25 – $150
4. Notes: Not a true finch but closely related, valued for their singing ability and available in various color mutations.

When choosing any of these top 10 finches for an aviary or as pets, consider the species’ temperament, care requirements, and compatibility with other birds. Finches generally thrive in environments where they have plenty of space to fly, access to clean water, a balanced diet, and social interaction with other birds.

These top 10 finches price ranges are approximate and can fluctuate based on geographic location, availability, and market demand. When purchasing finches, it’s important to consider not just the initial cost but also ongoing care expenses, such as food, cage, and veterinary care. Always buy from reputable breeders or pet stores to ensure healthy and well-cared-for birds.

Where to Buy Your Top 10 finches

Online resources where you can find Finches include:

• Bird Breeders (Just select from the menu to see the other species.)

Top 10 finches Further Research

Strawberry finches

Weavers

Orange-breasted Waxbills

Common waxbill

We also have a blog post about Top 10 Birds To Breed.

AviculturistPetrus Albertus Van Tonder

At World Wide Birds, I am passionate about the vibrant and diverse world of birds. My mission is to provide the highest level of care, knowledge, and support to bird enthusiasts, breeders, and pet owners. With years of hands-on experience in aviculture, I strive to be a trusted resource for those who share our love for these remarkable creatures.

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Expertises: Aviculture, Twitcher and birder, Wildlife photographer, Bird writer