Parrot-billed seedeater/Indigo Buntings INFO

[gotsphynx]

Just purchased a pair of parrot-billed seedeaters. They are the color of a green canary but have a cute yellow beak that is shaped like a puffins! I have scoured the internet for care info other than what the person I got them from said- which was limited - they eat canary seed. I have gouldians, a canary, zebras, cordon bleus and a saffron.

Anyone out there give me any info on them or sites to go visit? I can't even find a picture of the particular pair I have. I have seen pix of others that were black&white but not the yellow/brown/black/white ones I have.

I also was able to get a pair of indigo buntings from the same old guy. He called them blue bounties - but they looked a LOT like blue parrot finches. Once I got them home, I was able to identify them as a pair of indigo buntings. Beautiful but flighty (like my saffron finch). Anyone with info on these.

I only have them as pets - not to breed - unless they choose to ! They have the set up if they want to but I am not in it for anything except the beauty and joy they provide.

Appreciate any help from out in birdland

Charley in Rhode Island - Currently owned by:

Voodoo - doberman
Roswell, Gryndahl, Sekira & Tchrtchk - sphyns cats
1 Saffron Finch
1 Red Factor American Color Canary
2 Parrot Billed Seedeaters
2 Lady Gouldian Finches
3 Blue Capped Cordon Bleus
2 Indigo Buntings
1 Green Cheeck Conure - Zuno
and 1 wonderful Umbrella Cockatoo - Zsa Zsa (the missing Gabor sister)

[birdsnreps]

ive never heard of them!! but i would assume they can eat fruits and veggies like all the other finches and canaries do....do you happen to have any pics of them?? i would love to see what they look like

[bthomas]

wow i looked on google to see a pic of those indigo buntings or whatever, and they are awesome!

[Courtzrocks]

good looking birds they are.

[4HAND]

Is it legal to have indigo buntings in the US?I know they migrate through here in spring and visit my feeders.I always thought native birds were illegal to keep as pets here.Not accusing,just trying to clarify the laws.Maybe someone knows a website that lists such things.
Tena

[Buteo]

4Hand is right.
Indigo Buntings are a native North American bird and sightings across most of what was their normal range now are considered Rare by many birders.

As far as I know, it is illegal to keep them as pets or breeding stock in Canada or the US.

[4HAND]

According to the following website Welcome to BirdIQ! Indigo Buntings are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and a permit is required to posses them.You click on Education then Birds and Us then Bird laws.This may be why they were sold to you as "Blue Bounties".
Tena