Red Avadavat, non breeding male - amandava amandava I have a particular affinity for non-native species in Spain, of which I am one. Having adopted Spain as our home many of us are thriving in our own ex-patriot communities. The Red Avadavat is an outstanding example. Originating in the Indian sub-continent it is living and breeding successfully in the Province of Granada not far from my home. And what a bird it is, the breeding male, resplendant in it´s silver-studded bright red plumage looks like a ruby in the tall grass. Non breeding males also display the silver studding but just a red rump, while females are less conspicuous in plain greys and brown.
Red Avadavat, breeding male - amandava amandava
Avadavats are of course escaped cagebirds that have adapted well to the sub-tropical conditions of Southern Spain and Portugal. They are sometimes sold as "Strawberry Finches" in pet shops, but seeing them in the wild is so much better. They form sizeable flocks and it is fun to watch them flitting around in the long grass, taking the seeds. They are in fact extremely difficult to photograph, being quite skittish and hard to observe in the tall grass. Being very small it is also necessary to get quite close for a decent photo, so some fieldcraft and guile is required. It took me some time to get even these so-so shots.
Zitting Cisticola - cisticola juncidis As I watched the Avadavats, other much easier birds came into the frame. This little Zitting Cisticola watched from close range, seemingly unconcerned by my presence. Reed Warblers were also quite numerous and I managed to get quite close to a youngster who was not so savvy as the adult birds. Nothing to fear from me though.
Reed Warbler - acrocephalus scirpaceous
Reed Warbler - acrocephalus scirpaceous Reed Warblers from temperate regions are migratory, and many pass through Spain to even warmer climes in Winter. However I believe in certain places such as this wetland with undisturbed reedbed & tall grass, they can remain all year.
Reed Warbler - acrocephalus scirpaceous
Red Avadavat females Here´s another look at the Avadavats. This time a couple of females sharing a grass stem. I observed their sociable behaviour quite closely. They move around in flocks and are prone to mutual preening and close contact.
All in all I think Avadavats are a delightful addition to the breeding birds of Andalucia. They do no harm and provide a welcome and colourful change from the standard birds we see all the time.
All in all I think Avadavats are a delightful addition to the breeding birds of Andalucia. They do no harm and provide a welcome and colourful change from the standard birds we see all the time.
