Fun Green Avadavat Facts For Kids

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.

What type of animal is a green avadavat?

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.

What class of animal does a green avadavat belong to?

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.

How many green avadavats are there in the world?

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.

Where does a green avadavat live?

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.

What is a green avadavat's habitat?

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.

Who do green avadavats live with?

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.

How long does a green avadavat live?

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.

How do they reproduce?

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.

What is their conservation status?

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.

What do green avadavats look like?

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.

How cute are they?

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.

How do they communicate?

Green avadavats use a loud squeaky trill to communicate. It is a distinctive call and sounds like 'swee-swee'.

How big is a green avadavat?

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.

How fast can a green avadavat move?

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.

How much does a green avadavat weigh?

Unfortunately, due to inadequate information, the weight of the green avadavat is not known.

What are the male and female names of the species?

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.

What would you call a baby green avadavat?

A baby green avadavat is referred to as a chick.

What do they eat?

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.

Are they dangerous?

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.

Would they make a good pet?

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.

Did you know...

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.

Is the green avadavat endemic?

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.

Is the green avadavat endangered?

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.