FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
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If you love learning about the various species of birds found around the world, you are definitely going to enjoy reading about the green avadavat (Amandava formosa). The green avadavat is a small-sized colorful species of finch that is endemic to India. It is a resident of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and other states of the Indian subcontinent. They are found in huge numbers in Mount Abu in Rajasthan in India. Being a popular species in the bird trade market, they have faced the threat of hunting over the years and this has affected their population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the species as Vulnerable in their Red List. The IUCN further states that their population trend is decreasing.
Also known as a green munia, the species is a bright green-yellow. It has a red bill but the most unique parts are the black and white bars on its flanks.
Keep on reading to learn more about this species of finch. Check out the yellow-breasted finch and the purple finch to read about more interesting species.
The green avadavat (Amandava formosa) of northern Andhra Pradesh is a bird belonging to the phylum Chordata. Belonging to the finch family, the genus of this bird is Amandava.
The green avadavat (Amandava formosa) belongs to the Aves class of the Animalia kingdom. It is a member of the bird family Estrildidae, like the gouldian finch, and the order Passeriformes.
The IUCN has estimated the population range of the green avadavat to be somewhere between 6,000-15,000 mature individuals. Moreover, according to the IUCN Red List, the population trend is decreasing further.
The green avadavat (Amandava formosa) is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Central India and the northwest parts of India record the highest number of these birds. They inhabit southern Rajasthan, southern Bihar, and central Uttar Pradesh. From West Bengal, its distribution ranges south to southern Maharashtra. You can also find populations of the bird in northern Andhra Pradesh in India. Kerala also records a number of these birds. A few can be found in Pakistan, however, this number is quite low.
The green avadavat or green munia species prefers living in an open habitat in India. They choose areas with nearby water bodies. Low bushes, dry woodlands, orchards, and scrubs found in Rajasthan and other states of India are their ideal place to live.
Green avadavats are social birds that forage in groups. A group of these birds foraging in a flock of mixed-species birds is not uncommon during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, they tend to form small groups.
The lifespan of the green avadavat (Amandava formosa) is fairly long compared to other species of finches. They are known to live for seven to nine years on average.
The breeding season of the green avadavat (Amandava formosa) begins in May and goes on until June. The birds of this species form small groups during this period where males of the species try to attract females. They build ball-shaped small nests made out of grass to lay five to six eggs in. Both parents take an active part in nesting. The incubation period is about 11-12 days. Males help to incubate the eggs. The chicks live with their parents until they are capable of flying.
The status of the green avadavat (Amandava formosa) is currently listed as Vulnerable in the Red List of the IUCN. Due to its colorful plumage and adorable size, the bird has been targeted in the bird trade market for years. Apart from that, they face the threats of habitat loss and pollution in their distribution range of central India, through southern Rajasthan, northern Andhra Pradesh and beyond. Recovery plans are not in action as of now.
The green avadavat (Amandava formosa) is a small-sized bird that has green upperparts. The underparts of the birds are covered in yellow plumage. The flanks of the birds have unique black and white bars. They have brown legs and irises. The bill of the avadavat is red in color.
The green avadavat (Amandava formosa) looks quite colorful and adorable, just like a saffron finch. The unique black and white bars on the flanks and the red bill enhance its beauty.
Green avadavats use a loud squeaky trill to communicate. It is a distinctive call and sounds like 'swee-swee'.
Green avadavats are small-sized birds that can grow up to a length of 3.9 in (10 cm). They are significantly smaller than a red finch.
A group of green avadavats can be very often seen foraging on the ground. They can also be spotted in flight. However, the exact speed of the bird remains unknown.
Unfortunately, due to inadequate information, the weight of the green avadavat is not known.
A male green avadavat is referred to as a cock and a female green avadavat is referred to as a hen, just like male and female birds of other species.
A baby green avadavat is referred to as a chick.
The green avadavat or green munia follows an omnivorous diet. They feed on small insects found near their habitats. You can find a bird of this species foraging on the ground in a group or flock. Apart from small insects, they also eat small grass seeds.
Green avadavats (Amandava formosa) are not harmful to humans in any way, just like a strawberry finch. They do not pose a threat to anybody except the insects they prey on.
These birds were popular as cagebirds in their distribution range. Finding green avadavats in the bird trade market was quite common. They gained popularity because of their yellow-green color and small size. However, this has affected the population of the bird over the years. So, it is not a good idea to cage these Indian birds that prefer living in open habitats.
The word 'avadavat' was given after the city Ahmedabad in India. This Indian city was considered the heart of the bird trade. This bird, being a popular species in the bird trade, was quite commonly found in the trade market of Ahmedabad.
Yes, the green avadavat (Amandava formosa) is endemic to India. It is mostly found in Rajasthan and other states of India. The species is considered to have a restricted distribution range. However, studies have shown that populations of these birds have spread to parts of Pakistan.
The IUCN has given the green avadavat species the Vulnerable status and has estimated the population of this species to be within 6,000-15,000 in their distribution range. Even though they have not reached the Endangered status yet, immediate recovery plans are needed to save the populations of this finch.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these giant cowbird facts and ani bird facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable bird coloring pages.
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At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
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