DISTRIBUTION
Cambodia, Vietnam, western Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and Borneo. There is now some indication that its range may extend to southern China. Formerly abundant over much of its extensive range, now becoming increasingly uncommon due to persecution resulting for its fondness for rice. Its present range is extensive but spotty.
DESCRIPTION
Long tailed and multicoloured. Green back, nape and crown with blue face and breast. Red in center of lower breast and abdomen, changing to brownish yellow at flanks and undertail. The tail is bright red with black edging. The hen is considerably duller with the blue being pale and lacking the red underbelly. The tail is also considerably shorter.
Originally inhabited forest edges ang clearings and bamboo thickets. Later found abundantly in rice plantations where, due to relentless persecution for its preference for rice and the demansd of the bird export trade, it has declined substantially.
BEHAVIOUR
Active and social parrot finch formerly seen in great numbers. Migratory in habit.
DIET
Originally diet consisted of grass and bamboo seed. It has developed a fondness for rice.
PUBLIC DOMAIN PHOTO
HABITAT
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