Budgerigars are small Australian parrots. Wild budgies are green and yellow with dark markings; generations of domestic breeding have produced the blues, whites and other colours familiar in homes and aviaries.

They are flock birds whose calls help them stay in contact. At the Manor, Clover brings his own enthusiasm to the conversation.

Read more: BirdLife Australia

These small Australian parrots have soft calls and often feed close to the ground. Their blue faces and yellow underparts are striking; the scarlet chest that gives the species its name belongs to the male.

Ralphie is one of the Manor’s scarlet-chested parrots. His sleeping enclosure, Emerald Perch Paradise, also attracts a regular daytime gathering of budgies.

Read more: NSW species profile

Zebra finches are sociable grassfinches found across much of Australia. Their short contact calls can keep a flock sounding busy even when everyone is sitting still.

In the familiar wild colouring, males have chestnut cheek patches and patterned flanks. Domestic colours vary, so the individual resident photographs are the best way to get to know the Manor’s birds.

Read more: Australian Museum

Gouldian finches come from tropical northern Australia. Their distinctive plumage combines strong blocks of colour, and their faces may be black, red or yellow.

Young birds begin with much quieter colours. Their brighter adult plumage develops as they mature—a transformation that gives a family album something special to follow.

Read more: Australian Museum

Also called Bengalese finches, society finches are domesticated birds with a long history in aviculture. They come in varied colours and patterns, including brown, white and pied forms.

Their sociable nature is especially noticeable at roosting time, when a group may settle closely together. Here, as with every resident, the individual relationships are part of the story.

Read more: National Finch & Softbill Society

Painted finches are also known as painted firetails. Their dark underparts carry fine white spots, with red on the face and across parts of the breast and belly.

Adult males usually have more extensive red facial markings than females. Look closely at the resident portraits and the differences become part of recognising each bird.

Read more: Australian Bird Study Association (PDF)

These small African finches are also known as Senegal firefinches. Adult males have rich red plumage with brown wings, while females are much browner.

In the wild they often forage on the ground for grass seeds. Their appearance is quite different from the Australian painted finches, despite the similar-sounding names.

Read more: Tulsa Zoo · Biodiversity Explorer

The Manor’s canaries include yellow birds and Glosters. Gloster is the name of a domestic canary breed, rather than a separate species.

Glosters have two forms: the Corona has the familiar rounded feather crest, while the Consort has a plain head. Both belong to the same breed.

Read more: Gloster Fancy Canary Council International

King quails are small ground-dwelling birds, also known as Asian blue quails or Chinese painted quails. Their wider range extends through parts of Asia to Australia.

They spend much of their time moving through low cover. While other residents explore the branches, quails offer a different view of life closer to the ground.

Read more: SWIFFT species profile