The Silver Diamond Firetail Barely Even Looks Real

Meet the silver diamond firetail, a rare variety of native Australian finch that looks like a Christmas angel with flames spilling from beneath its robes. Only the most experienced breeders can reliably produce this variety of the diamond firetail (Stagonopleura guttata), selecting parents that carry the recessive genes that give rise to this almost pearlescent plumage.

However, ensuring that you have both males and females in an aviary is not sufficient. They need to be compatible. One proven practice is to house a group of Diamond Sparrows together, and allow them to choose their own mates. Once they find suitable mates, they form strong pair bonds and pairs usually remain together for life. If say the female dies, then it is recommended to add at least two females for the male to choose from. Some will take another mate pretty soon, while others take a long time to commit to another mate.