Diamond Mandarin (Taeniopygia guttata), also known as the Australian Mandarin.
Origin and habitat:
Native to Australia and Polynesia, where it lives mainly in open steppes, trees and bushes, and can be found on the outskirts of Australian cities.
Characteristics:
It is a small, bright and colourful passerine, measuring between 10 and 12 centimetres and weighing around 12 to 15 grams. Males often have orange cheeks, red flanks spotted with white, and black stripes on the neck and tail, while females' plumage is more subdued.
Behaviour:
The Mandarin Diamond is very sociable and gregarious, living in colonies in the wild and being happiest in the company of conspecifics in captivity.
Pet:
It is highly prized as a pet bird due to its zest for life, ease of breeding and adaptability, making it a popular choice for beginners.
Photo taken at: Mariposario de Benálmadena, Spain
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