will he look better

[vixen]

hi all please can you tell me if this is a black winged bishop and will he get to look better.The kids call him ugly, hubby and i call him evil and does he give a good peck and wont let go. but i love him:lol: :lol:

[laurab]

It looks like a Red Bishop. I sure hope he smartens up a bit; and you're right, they sure can bite!

[vixen]

Hi laura He is getting a little better

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Vixen,

The Bird in the photo is a Black Winged or Crimson Crowned Weaver, and health wise from the photo he looks fine despite being partially through the moult, he will look a lot better after he finishes moulting into full breeding plumage.:D

Most Weavers when handled can clamp onto you as if their life depends on it, and as you have found it is a pretty good grip.:lol:

If they ever become available again, get your hands on a Grosbeak Weaver then you will know how hard a small Bird can bite.:shock:

Paul.:grin:

[vixen]

Hi Paul thanks for that i am trying to get a hen for him just needed to know if he was a black winged bishop. i know that paradise pets have got black winged in but how will i know if it is definitely a black winged i am buying because they all look the same.

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Vixen,

The only guide I can give you in buying a hen (better still two or three if you intend on breeding them:D) is that although the colour of hen Red Bishops/Weavers, Grenadier Weavers and Black Winged/Crimson Crowned Bishops/Weavers are all extremely similar is that the Black Winged is the largest of the three Species.
If hens of all three Species are there to make a comparison, then it should be quite easy to choose the correct hen/s you are looking for.:wink:

The Finches and Softbilled Birds book by Bates and Busenbark has the Red Bishop mentioned as measuring just under four inches, the Grenadier slightly larger and the Black Winged measuring four and a half inches (although these are probably measurements for the cocks only).

The people who own Paradise Pets are very experienced Birdkeepers and I have found them to be very good with their customers in the past, so I think that any questions you have regarding Birds you wish to buy will be met with honest answers.

Paul.:grin: