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Price range: $105.99 through $195.99
The Shaft-tail Finch (Poephila acuticauda), also known as the Long-tailed Finch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Australia. It is also known as the Blackheart Finch, Heck’s grassfinch, and Heck’s finch. Opal Shaft-tails are a soft silver to dark grey coloring compared to the normal Shaft-tail’s tan, black and grey head coloring. Shaft-tails do best in an aviary vs. a cage in captivity. If a cage is provided, it should be as large as affordable. Damp conditions need to be avoided. The natural habitat of the Shaft-tail are open woodlands across northern Australia, from Derby east to the Leichhardt River in northern Queensland.
The Opal Shaft-tail Finch (Poephila acuticauda) is a beautiful color mutation of the Shaft-tail Finch, also known as the Long-tailed Finch. This Australian estrildid finch is also called the Blackheart Finch, Heck’s Grassfinch, or Heck’s Finch.
Opal Shaft-tails have soft silver to dark gray coloring. This is different from the normal Shaft-tail Finch, which has more tan, black, and gray coloring on the head.
At Aviora Haven, the Opal Shaft-tail Finch is an attractive choice for bird enthusiasts looking for an active and social aviary finch.
Geography: Australia
Shaft-tail Finches naturally occur in open woodlands across northern Australia. Their range extends from Derby in Western Australia eastward to the Leichhardt River in northern Queensland.
Size: Approximately 6 inches
Weight: 10.9–17.2 grams
The Shaft-tail Finch has a distinctive vocalization that adds to its appeal in an aviary.
Song / Call: Click to listen to the Shaft-tail Finch.
Male and female Opal Shaft-tail Finches look very similar. Because of this, it can be difficult to determine their sex visually.
DNA testing can be used when a confirmed gender is needed.
Opal Shaft-tail Finches are active and social birds. In the wild, they forage on the ground for seeds in pairs and small flocks.
They generally do best in a spacious aviary rather than a small cage. If a cage is used, choose the largest enclosure possible.
Keep their environment dry and well ventilated. Damp conditions should be avoided.
Shaft-tail Finches can be social with other suitable finches. However, birds should always be monitored when introduced to a mixed aviary.
During courtship, the male Shaft-tail Finch performs an interesting display. He holds his head upright and may carry a piece of grass in his bill. He then bobs up and down by bending and straightening his legs.
During another part of the display, the male fluffs the feathers on his head and raises the rear feathers around his black bib. He may also bob his head and wipe his bill.
The nest is usually bulky and round. It has an entrance tube and is made from grasses, creepers, and plant stems.
The nest is lined with feathers, plant wool, and fine grass. In the wild, nests may be built in trees, bushes, creepers, or clumps of grass. In captivity, Opal Shaft-tail Finches may also accept nest boxes.
A typical clutch contains 3–6 eggs. Incubation takes approximately 13–14 days. Both parents share responsibility for feeding the young.
A varied and nutritious diet is important for Opal Shaft-tail Finches. Suitable foods can include:
Fresh food and appropriate mineral sources can help provide a balanced diet.
Opal Shaft-tail Finches are best suited to a spacious aviary where they can fly, forage, and interact naturally.
Provide plenty of room for exercise and include suitable perches and areas where the birds can rest. Avoid damp conditions and provide protection from extreme weather.
The Opal Shaft-tail Finch is an active Australian finch with attractive silver and gray coloring. Its social nature and interesting courtship behavior make it a rewarding addition to a suitable aviary.
At Aviora Haven, we provide information and resources for bird enthusiasts interested in finches and other aviary birds. If you are looking for an Opal Shaft-tail Finch for sale, learn about its housing, diet, temperament, and breeding requirements before adding this beautiful bird to your collection.
If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that species may be monomorphic, which means males and females cannot be reliably distinguished by appearance alone.
DNA testing is available when a confirmed gender is required. The cost is an additional $149 per bird. DNA testing may add approximately 3–6 weeks or more to the estimated delivery time while the results are processed.
Please see our FAQs for more information about DNA testing, shipping, and bird availability.
| Sex | Male, Female, Pair |
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