The tiny Gold breasted Waxbill (Amandava subflava) also known Zebra Waxbill or Orange breasted Waxbills are a real avian treasure and beauty to observe. These sparrow-like finches are native to sub-Saharan Africa – where they inhabit the grassland and savannas south of the Sahara. Gold-breasted waxbills for sale had been classified as a threatened species in the past but their numbers have recovered and they are now available to bird keepers worldwide.

Geography: Africa

Song / Call: Click to hear the Gold Breasted Waxbill

Size / Weight: 3.5″ in length / about 7 gm

Sexing: The hen is duller overall than the cock and lacks the red stripe over the eyes.

Temperament: Gold Breasted Waxbills are friendly, sociable and active but can be territorial.

Breeding: In captivity, breeding Gold Breasted Waxbills can be stimulated at any time of year provided the right conditions; spring-summer breeding is typically recommended. Gold Breasted Waxbills aged 1-4 years are most suited to breeding. A breeding diet (consisting of greens, grass seeds, soaked seed, sprouted seed, Dried Egg Food, and small live-food options or insectivore diet options such as dried ant eggs) should be offered starting one month prior to breeding. Gold Breasted Waxbills can do well in a mixed aviary with other passive species; providing plenty of cover will reduce minor bickering. Goldbreasted Waxbills have reportedly hybridized with: Green Avadavat (Amandava formosa), Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) (possibly), Common (St. Helena) Waxbill (Estrilda astrild), Black-rumped (red-eared) waxbill (E. troglodytes), African silverbill (Lonchura cantans), Red-cheeked Cordon Bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus), and red avadavat (A. amandava).

Lifespan: 5-6 years

Diet: Meal worms, Classic Finch Seed, Australian Blend Goldenfeast, Millet, Dried Egg Food, Mineral Grit, berries and fresh greens.

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.