How to Keep a Hwamei

The hwamei (Garrulax canorus) is a songbird of the babbler family in the order Passeriformes, named for the ring of white markings around its eyes that resemble painted eyebrows. It is mainly distributed across the hilly and mountainous areas of southern China and has long been regarded as a famous ornamental songbird. Its plumage is mainly brown, and its song is melodious and varied; it can both imitate the calls of other birds and sing on its own, making it a great favorite among bird-keeping enthusiasts.

When selecting a hwamei, focus on its overall condition and appearance. A healthy individual has bright eyes and quick reactions, with feathers that lie close to the body and have a glossy sheen, and intact, strong toes and claws. Generally speaking, males are slightly larger in size, call frequently and have a loud voice, which is why most enthusiasts prefer them, but the choice should also be based on a comprehensive judgment of the individual's condition.

As for feeding, the hwamei has omnivorous habits; in the wild it feeds mainly on insects, as well as fruits and seeds. In captivity, you can offer specialized feed, supplemented with an appropriate amount of live insects such as mealworms and a small amount of fruits and vegetables. The cage should be spacious and well ventilated, and a cage cover can be used to shade it appropriately during the day, helping the bird stay calm and stable; at the same time, clean the droppings regularly and provide water for bathing to keep the environment hygienic.

It should be noted that the hwamei is a wild animal under key national protection, and catching wild individuals at will is illegal; captive-bred individuals should be obtained through legal channels. If your hwamei does not sing for a long time, it is usually related to environmental stress, the molting period or health problems. You can first keep the environment quiet, feed it regularly and observe patiently, and consult an experienced keeper or veterinarian if necessary.