This is Plum, a Cherry finch. We bought Plum and Orion after we read that they were very similar to Bengalese finches, and would get along with the Bengalese better than the Zebra finches had been in the past.
We feel sorry for Cherries. In the UK they appear to be about the same price as Gouldian finches, but as they are not as colourful they were getting left behind in the local bird shop. These are beautiful birds in their own right, and ours are very acrobatic.
According to information online, Cherry hens are usually very picky about who they breed with, but our pair seemed happy and they now have two adorable chicks who were fostered by the Bengalese finches.
Plum died 7th Nov 12 after she had complications with a large growth on the right side of her head.
Amanda
Amanda is a female Fawn Cherry Finch. She is one of our newest finches. She seems confident, relaxed and so far appears to act quite similar to Plum.
Orion - Male
Orion - Male Cherry Finch
This is Orion, a Cherry finch. When we bought Plum and Orion, there had been an odd number of finches in that particular cage at the local bird store, and sadly Orion had been the one who was picked on. He had feathers plucked from the back of his neck, but they have since grown back.
Details online suggest male Cherries hardly sing, and may carry out a form of wing "clap" as part of their courtship. After only a few days Orion was singing, most likely inspired by Apollo. Orion finally wooed Plum after he built an impressive nest out of hay.
Lady
Female Fawn Cherry Finch. She was bought along with Amanda to eventually keep the younger male Cherry Finches company. She is perky and skittish, and acts completely different to Amanda.