How to Tell Female From Male Spice Finches

Spice finches are difficult to sex reliably, because the male and female look identical. The only way to reliably sex spice finches is by watching their behavior during courtship. These small Asian finches have brown heads, wings and backs, with a beautiful scalloped pattern on their breasts. Spice finches are gregarious birds and do best in sexed pairs or in small groups. They should not be kept alone as they may become lonely. They eat a variety of seeds, insects and soft foods.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Obtain a pair of spice finches and watch their behavior.

   • 2

     Watch for courting behavior. The male will bob up and down in a dance and sing, the female will watch and quiver her tail.

   • 3

     Listen to see if the suspected male sings; his song is almost inaudible.