What is this mystery bird?

[raingarden]

I would adopt it.

 

[tripletfeb]

The only thing I find odd is this bird doesn't have any red on it and all the pictures ive seen there is red on them. The previous owner got it from a bird expo. The place it is currently in houses exotic birds that have been either owner surrendered or injured wild birds. They house birds ranging from raptors to these small ones. I'm assuming an actually employee would know more what the bird is, I just so happen to talk to a volunteer. Next time I go I'll try to get an actually confirmation though!

It could be female, which would be why you see no red

 

[ColtHandorf]

My first thought was a Whydah of some sort as those are more commonly kept. It looks like a Long-tailed Widowbird to me although he is lacking the colored epaulets. Most of the Whydah, Widowbirds, and Weavers of Africa go through a molt into eclipse and nuptial plumage but I haven't determined if this species does. I'd imagine so as he's missing the nuptial epaulets on his shoulders.

**Continued researching and yes, they have two color patterns based on the time of the year. This male may be inbetween nuptial and eclipse plumage.

These birds are usually wild-caught rather than captive-bred due to their pugnacious nature and the size requirements for an aviary that allows breeding.

 

[Regina Larsen]

My first thought was a Whydah of some sort as those are more commonly kept. It looks like a Long-tailed Widowbird to me although he is lacking the colored epaulets. Most of the Whydah, Widowbirds, and Weavers of Africa go through a molt into eclipse and nuptial plumage but I haven't determined if this species does. I'd imagine so as he's missing the nuptial epaulets on his shoulders.

**Continued researching and yes, they have two color patterns based on the time of the year. This male may be inbetween nuptial and eclipse plumage.

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These birds are usually wild-caught rather than captive-bred due to their pugnacious nature and the size requirements for an aviary that allows breeding.

Good images, i was thinking that it was interim plumage. This may be a great bird for a zoo breeding program.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Depending on where the OP lives, the bird could live in an outdoor aviary year-round. The temps fluctuate too much in Texas for it to be commonly done, but many breeders, hobbyists, and avicultural enthusiasts in places like Florida keep their birds in walk-in aviaries year-round. Although, that being said, I have a friend in New Jersey who has videos of her Owl finches (an Australian species) playing in the snow. Protecting them from drafts and ensuring they are properly acclimated to the temperatures outdoors is essential. I tried to look up Birds Express but can't seem to pull up their website any longer. AZbirds may have some available or be able to order hens for him.