The black-bellied firefinch (Lagonosticta rara) is a common species of estrildid finch found in Africa. Black Bellied Firefinches for sale have a bold red color with a black underbelly. It is slightly larger than the Red Billed Firefinch. Fire finches come from mostly arid regions, so damp conditions should be avoided. Sand is the preferred ground cover for aviaries. They prefer bright and sunny conditions but should always have access to water and shade. All species of fire finch spend a lot of time on or near the ground and like stones or very low perches that keep them off the cage bottom. Fire finches are not aggressive birds and can be mixed safely with other species but breeding results are usually better when they are housed in small groups or as single pairs. Various species of fire finch can be housed together without aggression, but hybridizing can happen so just one species per enclosure is ideal.

Geography: Africa

Song / Call: Click to hear the Black Bellied Firefinch

Size / Weight: 4″ / 10 g

Life Span: 5 to 6 years

Sexing: Black-bellied Firefinches are fairly easy to determine gender visually.

Temperament: Firefinches are shy and neither sociable nor aggressive. They are fast flyers.

Breeding:  Firefinches are not for the beginning breeder.

Diet: Classic Finch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Dried Egg Food, Insects (live or freeze dried), Mineral Grit

DNA Testing:

If there is no gender option listed for a bird on our website, that particular species is ‘monomorphic’, which means we’re unable to determine gender without purchasing DNA testing. DNA testing is an additional $149 per bird to guarantee preferred gender. DNA testing may add an additional 3-6 plus weeks to estimated delivery time to allow for gender results. See our FAQs for more info.