Interesting, Michael. They don't look like the Skylark which was introduced to Australia in the 19th century nor do they look like the Australian Pipit. I checked Google & they don't seem to be Melodious Larks.
I'd be interested to know where they came from, if only to determine how secure they should be kept since Australia can ill-afford to have more feral birds in its environment. Until a definite identity can be obtained I'd urge you to keep them under strict lock & key.
Compare the bill on your birds and the bushlarks, the bushlark has a thick bill whereas yours at thin. I don't think your birds are bushlarks. I don't think the birds you were given are Australian birds.
The pet store owner is not likely to be an authority methinks. And I don't want to sound disparaging, but the asian community (in asia) will keep any kind bird in a cage; usually a lot smaller cage than the one shown.
I had a look at the many types of larks on the internet and I can't find an exact likeness (but there are some without pictures). I was hoping someone would identify them if only so you could establish what kind of conditions suited them best (or least badly). If they have to be in a cage, I think one is obliged to make the poor critters as comfortable as possible.
As I said 'Now I am worried' ,but you need not be.
They are in the cage for two weeks, my self imposed quarantine for all new birds. Their next stop is an Avery 2mL X 1mW X1.8m High (exclusively for them). The Avery is under cover and secure from predators and extreme weather. I have three such Aviaries, one for Canaries another for Zebra finches and the third houses Diamond Doves.
My Chinese and European Quail live among the native grasses and shrubs in my covered yard and all my pets prosper*. Later these new guys might be able to venture out of their Aviary as my doves do, returning home at night.
These Mystery Birds will be alright one way or another, they are eating, singing and remaining fairly calm when I attend the cage. The main reason I need to ID them is to establish particular dietary requirement (other than Norms) and any environmental factors that must be addresses E.G.. Temp, Hygiene and Habitat Sundries.
I don't want to embark on an ignorant learning curve at their expense, hence I am seeking help fromr people more informed than I.
I hope the wording of this post is not TOO DEFENSIVE as I am greatful for your help.
Mick
* As measured by their longevity and breeding production (Biological fitness)
The Eurasian skylark is the only species i am aware of that is kept in aviaries in Aust, though i've been out of the avicultural loop for a while and perhaps the natives are kept now too with the expansion into softbills and there might be some exotic species still around etc.
Oh, dear! Mick, if these birds can't be identified as Australian & native to your area I do hope you won't be letting them out of your aviary. There are feral birds all over the place, in many, many cases competing with Australian birds & so often the Australian birds come off second best. Please keep these two creatures under lock & key in order to avoid contributing to the possible extinction of more Australian species.
Oh, dear! Mick, if these birds can't be identified as Australian & native to your area I do hope you won't be letting them out of your aviary. There are feral birds all over the place, in many, many cases competing with Australian birds & so often the Australian birds come off second best. Please keep these two creatures under lock & key in order to avoid contributing to the possible extinction of more Australian species.
I agree with you 100%. If they cannot be 100% id as Aussie birds endemic to your area DO NOT LET THEM ESCAPE PLEASE.
A single carefree attitude can cause irreversible damage to the environment.
Please understand that i am not judging you ( i don't know you) but am offering my concerns.
They are Skylarks, they can put their crests up and down.
Interesting, Michael. They don't look like the Skylark which was introduced to Australia in the 19th century nor do they look like the Australian Pipit. I checked Google & they don't seem to be Melodious Larks.
I'd be interested to know where they came from, if only to determine how secure they should be kept since Australia can ill-afford to have more feral birds in its environment. Until a definite identity can be obtained I'd urge you to keep them under strict lock & key.
Sorry I was looking on my phone so couldn't see them properly. They do look interesting.
LOL
The bottom line on your birds faces are a lot darker than in that photo so I don't think it is a Rudds Lark.
b
Are they bushlarks (mirafra javanica)?
;
Compare the bill on your birds and the bushlarks, the bushlark has a thick bill whereas yours at thin. I don't think your birds are bushlarks. I don't think the birds you were given are Australian birds.
Are you in Australia?
I was unaware many larks species are frequently kept in captivity here, though perhaps they aren't.
;
The pet store owner is not likely to be an authority methinks. And I don't want to sound disparaging, but the asian community (in asia) will keep any kind bird in a cage; usually a lot smaller cage than the one shown.
I had a look at the many types of larks on the internet and I can't find an exact likeness (but there are some without pictures). I was hoping someone would identify them if only so you could establish what kind of conditions suited them best (or least badly). If they have to be in a cage, I think one is obliged to make the poor critters as comfortable as possible.
I agree.
As I said 'Now I am worried' ,but you need not be.
They are in the cage for two weeks, my self imposed quarantine for all new birds. Their next stop is an Avery 2mL X 1mW X1.8m High (exclusively for them). The Avery is under cover and secure from predators and extreme weather. I have three such Aviaries, one for Canaries another for Zebra finches and the third houses Diamond Doves.
My Chinese and European Quail live among the native grasses and shrubs in my covered yard and all my pets prosper*. Later these new guys might be able to venture out of their Aviary as my doves do, returning home at night.
These Mystery Birds will be alright one way or another, they are eating, singing and remaining fairly calm when I attend the cage. The main reason I need to ID them is to establish particular dietary requirement (other than Norms) and any environmental factors that must be addresses E.G.. Temp, Hygiene and Habitat Sundries.
I don't want to embark on an ignorant learning curve at their expense, hence I am seeking help fromr people more informed than I.
I hope the wording of this post is not TOO DEFENSIVE as I am greatful for your help.
Mick
* As measured by their longevity and breeding production (Biological fitness)
The Eurasian skylark is the only species i am aware of that is kept in aviaries in Aust, though i've been out of the avicultural loop for a while and perhaps the natives are kept now too with the expansion into softbills and there might be some exotic species still around etc.
http://www.birdcare.com.au/skylark.htm
You may have better luck on avicultural forums.
http://aussiefinchforum.net/
Your birds look pretty healthy...
Oh, dear! Mick, if these birds can't be identified as Australian & native to your area I do hope you won't be letting them out of your aviary. There are feral birds all over the place, in many, many cases competing with Australian birds & so often the Australian birds come off second best. Please keep these two creatures under lock & key in order to avoid contributing to the possible extinction of more Australian species.
I agree with you 100%. If they cannot be 100% id as Aussie birds endemic to your area DO NOT LET THEM ESCAPE PLEASE.
A single carefree attitude can cause irreversible damage to the environment.
Please understand that i am not judging you ( i don't know you) but am offering my concerns.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/