Red Avadavat or Strawberry Finch

Amandava amandava

"Fair Choice" Pet Fair Choice

The Red Avadavat (also known as Strawberry Finch or Red Munia) is a sparrow-sized bird that is native to southern Asia. Avadavats inhabit open grasslands and paddy fields and breed during the tropical monsoon season. They are gregarious during the non-breeding season, forming flocks of up to 100 birds.

Red Avadavats are popular cage birds due to the male’s colorful breeding plumage. Average lifespan is about 7 to 8 years, but they have been known to live up to 10 years in captivity.

Did You Know?

The Red Avadavat is native to southern Asia.

Source Sustainability Fair Choice

Does the harvest for wildlife trade or captive breeding of this species harm wild populations?

Some Cause for Concern

Red Avadavats are found over a large geographic range and wild populations appear to be healthy in most regions. Wild individuals are harvested for the pet trade and there is evidence they are imported and traded illegally in many Asian wildlife markets.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Only purchase a pet Red Avadavat from a reputable breeder or distributor to ensure that you are not buying an illegally wild-caught and/or imported animal. Additionally, ask for proof that your animal was captive-bred; PetWatch strongly recommends only purchasing captive-bred birds to ensure that wild populations can continue to thrive.

Invasion Threat Worst Choice

Does the release or escape of this species into the wild harm the environment and/or economy?

Significant Cause for Concern

Red Avadavats are capable of colonizing new areas outside their native range. They have established self-sustaining populations in Japan, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Israel. Due to their ability to live in many different habitats and potentially damage crops, Red Avadavats are considered invasive.

PetWatch Recommendation:

Check for permitting requirements and that it is legal to own a Red Avadavat in your state of residence. Make sure that your Red Avadavat is always kept inside an enclosure and does not have the opportunity to escape. Never release a pet into the wild.

Animal Welfare Fair Choice

Does harvest, captive breeding, transport, or being kept as a pet harm individual animals?

Some Cause for Concern

As with all birds, Red Avadavats imported and traded illegally may not receive good care. Furthermore, traders have been known to use a green dye on female Red Avadavats so that they can be sold as the more valuable and rare Green Avadavat.

Red Avadavats are considered fairly hardy and do well in captivity. In addition to the usual needs, they do best in aviaries large enough to allow flight. Under poor conditions, the plumage, especially of males, becomes less vibrant. There is evidence also that sunlight is important for maintaining bright coloring, so indoor birds need full spectrum light.

Red Avadavats are social and can usually be kept in aviaries with other birds. However, breeding birds can be aggressive and should be housed separately and/or closely monitored.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Red Avadavat, ask for proof that the animal was bred in captivity by a professional with a permit to sell the animal. Given the lack of oversight, animals in the illegal wildlife trade may be mistreated.

Health Threat Best Choice

Does this animal pose a health risk to native wildlife, humans, livestock and agriculture?

Little Cause for Concern

We found no information indicating that Red Avadavats carry infectious diseases that pose a threat to humans and/or wild or domesticated species.

PetWatch Recommendation:

When purchasing a pet Red Avadavat, ask for proof of a clean bill of health. Ask the seller if the animal has been checked by a certified veterinarian and for a list of any medical treatments the animal has received.

EcoHealth Alliance works at the intersection of ecosystem, animal and human health through local conservation programs and develops global health solutions to emerging diseases.
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