Red Cheeks Cordon Blue

 

Red cheeked autumn blues now this species is native to Africa . The red cheek cordon blues are one of three species in the cordon blue family the Blue Caps the red cheeks and the blue breast the first two species are very well known in agriculture the blue breasts cordon blue on the other hand is a bit harder to find at the moment ..

This species was back in 2009 before

 

exports from different parts of Africa were shut down unfortunately ,  now males from each of these species are easily distinguished but females on the other hand are a little bit harder to differentiate .

Species and end up with hybrids out of 

the three species in the cordon blue family the red cheeks and the blue breasts have subspecies that are very similar but should not be confused the red cheeks subspecies Ubengalus  Brunneigularis is very similar in color but females lack the blue on the face and with the blue breasted cordon blue  its subspecies Uraeginthus  Angolensis Niassensis census the females blue coloration extends past its chest and goes down towards the flanks and into the stomach . 

The wretched Cordon Blue make a lovely 

addition to any aviary these birds are very lively and get along well with other species in a community setting the male's can be easily distinguished from females by their striking red cheeks these birds can be bred in cages but it is in larger aviaries where they truly shine spending most of their time on the floor foraging for insects .

species in cages they have  harder time than those bred in the outdoor aviary with the birds in the cages that they can be encouraged to breed with a good source of protein but getting them to feed the young has proven harder some will feed and others I've had to foster because of parents have tossed in the aviary setting the birds look more relaxed and seeing more eager to breed and feed these birds will be receiving a higher protein diet now that they're in the outdoor Avior this will hopefully bring them into breeding condition and the male should start his courtship display to attract the female and encourage her to breed that the white feathers on this male are from the PI mutation and not a deficiency or age .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       ❤  Thank You ❤