When considering the best ground birds for an aviary, there are a few key factors to take into account. The size of the aviary, climate, and temperament of the birds are all important considerations when selecting species that will thrive in a captive environment. In this article, we will explore some of the best options when it comes to ground birds for aviaries and what makes them good choices.
Quails
Quails are a popular choice for aviary birds. There are many different species of quails, but some common ones kept as aviary birds include:
- Button Quail
- Gambel’s Quail
- California Quail
- Coturnix Quail
Quails are small, ground-dwelling birds that do well in captivity. They are active birds that like to forage on the ground, so providing substrate like grass, sand, or wood shavings is important. Most quail species do well in small groups and are not overly territorial.
Some key advantages of quails for aviaries:
- Small size – They don’t require a huge amount of space.
- Easy care – Quails have simple dietary and housing needs.
- Good for beginners – Their hardiness makes them a good option for new bird owners.
- Fun to watch – Quails are active foragers with interesting behaviors.
Quails lay eggs consistently, so they are popular as egg-laying aviary birds as well. Overall, their small size, hardiness, and energetic personalities make quails a great aviary bird choice.
Junglefowl
The wild ancestors of modern chickens, junglefowl also make good aviary birds. There are four main species:
- Red Junglefowl – Native to Southeast Asia, the wild ancestor of most domestic chickens.
- Grey Junglefowl – Found in parts of South Asia.
- Sri Lankan Junglefowl – Native to Sri Lanka.
- Green Junglefowl – Lives in Java and Indonesia.
These lively birds have similar needs to chickens but are much more active foragers and flyers. They do well in small flocks and appreciate planted aviaries where they can scratch, dig, and take dust baths. Junglefowl can be skittish but make very engaging aviary birds once settled. The males often crows or makes chuckling sounds.
Some benefits of junglefowl for aviaries:
- Fun to watch their natural behaviors
- Interesting vocalizations
- Lay eggs
- Generally hardy health
Their natural foraging behaviors and energetic personalities make junglefowl a great choice for a more dynamic ground bird in an aviary setting.
Buttonquail
Buttonquails are small, round-bodied birds that inhabit the wilds of Africa, Asia, and Australia. While not true quails, they share some similarities in care and behavior. There are several buttonquail species kept as aviary birds, like:
- Common Buttonquail
- Painted Buttonquail
- Little Buttonquail
These little ground dwellers are active runners and fliers in captivity. They can be housed in mixed species aviaries provided they have areas of dense vegetation to retreat to. Buttonquails kept with lighter species may monopolize food sources, so monitoring is required.
Some advantages of buttonquails for aviaries:
- Small and delicate appearance
- Peaceful coexistence with other species
- Interesting vocalizations
- Good for insect control
Their petite size and gentle nature make buttonquails a charming addition to a mixed ground bird aviary. Their natural chick-like chirping sounds also add nice ambience.
Pheasants
With their beautiful plumage and behaviors, pheasants are captivating aviary birds. While there are many pheasant species, some types commonly kept in aviaries include:
- Golden Pheasant
- Lady Amherst’s Pheasant
- Silver Pheasant
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Green Peafowl
Pheasants appreciate planted aviaries where they can exhibit natural shelter-seeking and foraging behaviors. They are generally non-aggressive and do well in small groups. Roosting spots like tall branches should be provided.
Some benefits of keeping pheasants in aviaries:
- Striking plumage
- Ornate appearance
- Fascinating behaviors like dust bathing and foraging
- Relatively hardy health
With their beauty and engaging personalities, pheasants make excellent showpiece aviary birds. Their activity levels and behaviors also make them entertaining to watch.
Partridges
Partridges are rotund, ground-dwelling birds in the pheasant family. While there are many species found worldwide, some kept in aviaries include:
- Chukar Partridge
- Himalayan Snow Partridge
- Japanese Quail
- Red-legged Partridge
These stocky birds thrive in planted aviaries that allow them to exhibit scratching, digging, and dust bathing behaviors. They are non-aggressive and do well in small groups. Partridges may be kept with other docile bird species.
Some benefits of partridges as aviary birds:
- Amusing behaviors like dust bathing
- Quirky vocalizations
- Tolerant of temperature extremes
- Generally healthy and hardy
With their plump bodies, funny antics, and ease of care, partridges make solid additions to mixed ground bird aviaries.
Cranes
While most crane species are quite large, some smaller varieties can be kept in spacious aviaries. Suitable crane species may include:
- Demoiselle Crane
- Blue Crane
- Sarus Crane
Cranes require room to move about and exhibit natural behaviors. A pond or water feature is ideal, as cranes love to bathe and splash. Their exuberant courtship dances are a delight to observe. Keeping pairs or groups is recommended, as cranes are social.
Benefits of cranes for aviculture:
- Captivating appearance
- Graceful and elegant nature
- Unique vocalizations
- Fun dancing and bathing behaviors
For aviculturists able to accommodate their needs, cranes make a stunning and engaging exhibition species. Their intelligence and behaviors provide many hours of fascination.
Tinamous
Tinamous are partridge-like ground birds found across Central and South America. The smaller species may work well in aviaries, like:
- Elegant Crested Tinamou
- Yellow-legged Tinamou
- Thicket Tinamou
These energetic birds like dense vegetation and leaf litter to emulate their natural habitat. Tinamous can be kept alone or in pairs as they are generally not aggressive. Offering dust bathing spots helps them keep their plumage in top condition.
Some pros for keeping tinamous:
- Unusual and interesting appearance
- Comical vocalizations
- Good insect control
- Tolerant of hot humid climates
With proper environmental conditions, tinamous make quirky and unusual additions to aviaries looking for something a little different. Their antics and vocalizations provide endless entertainment.
Factors to Consider
When selecting any ground bird species for an aviary, there are some important factors to consider:
- Space – Ground-dwelling birds need enough room to exhibit natural behaviors. Overcrowding causes stress.
- Substrate – Sand, dirt, grass, or litter should be provided for scratching/dust bathing.
- Shelter – Huts, plants, and hiding spots are essential to help them feel secure.
- Groups – Most do best kept in compatible same-species groups.
- Diet – Offer a species-appropriate diet with variety.
- Climate – Ensure the aviary environment matches the species’ natural climate.
- Health – Quarantine new birds and maintain excellent hygiene.
Careful consideration of these factors will help ensure selected ground birds thrive in captivity. Always research the specific needs of any species being housed.
Conclusion
Ground-dwelling aviary birds like quails, junglefowl, pheasants, and cranes can make excellent additions for aviculturists able to provide for their needs. Taking the time to research care requirements and offer proper housing contributes to success. When setting up mixed ground bird aviaries, choose docile species of comparable size to reduce aggression problems. With proper space, food, and habitat elements, ground birds can live happily in aviary settings, displaying their beauty and engaging behaviors for all to enjoy. Their antics bring life to any aviculture collection.
