Crimsonwing
Salvatore Doris Bergastrild, males
Bergastrilde ( Cryptospiza ) are a genus within the family of finches. The genus includes only four species, three of which are considered to be unthreatened. The fourth, Shelley Bergastrild, as being at risk because of their small numbers of individuals by the IUCN.
Description
Bergastrilde reach a body length between twelve and fourteen inches. A characteristic feature of the genus is the very short beak, nose holes are completely covered by feathers. Wings and tail are short and plump.
Reichenows Bergastrild, Jackson Bergastrild and the Shelleys Bergastrild all have red colored areas on the head; these missing only when Salva Doris Bergastrild. All four species are mountain birds. Two of the species, the Jacksons Bergastrild and the Shelleys Bergastrild occur exclusively in the Albertine Rift. The Reichenows Bergastrild comes against it in three geographically widely separated populations. A population located on the island of Bioko off the coast of Cameroon and lives in the Mount Cameroon. A second population lives in the north-west of Angola. The third population is just like the other three species in East Africa in the area of the Great African grave breach.
Bergastrilde prefer to live in the undergrowth of mountain forests. Their diet consists of very small seeds, mainly seeds of Spring herbs and old herbs.
Species
The following types are among the Bergastrilden:
- Jackson Bergastrild (C. jacksoni )
- Reichenows Bergastrild (C. reichenovii )
- Salvatore Doris Bergastrild (C. salvadorii )
- Shelley Bergastrild (C. shelleyi )
Attitude
For the decorative bird keeping only the Reichenows Bergastrild has an albeit small importance. He is regarded as an attractive, lively and very friendly bird, but must be kept for his well-being in a well-structured room aviary. The Salvation Doris Bergastrild is imported only very occasionally to Europe. Breeding success are correspondingly sporadic. The other two species have so far only once each imported to Europe. When Salvatore Doris Bergastrild has been shown under environmental conditions, that it has a very similar courtship as the Reichenow Bergastrild. Accounting reports for Shelley Bergastrild are none.