Introduction to the NFSS Official Standards

Mr. Stephen Hoppin
NFSS Judges Panel Director 1998-2001

Specific standards have been established by NFSS for species of finches and softbills to provide objective judging at bird shows and to assist the aviculturist in achieving excellence in breeding programs. NFSS standards are a consensus of opinions of judges on how the ideal bird of a specific species should look. They provide a written measure of quality to which a comparison is made. Each standard reviews conformation, color and markings, condition, deportment, and presentation specific for that particular avian specie. 

NFSS is pleased to inform you that Official Standards have been written and adopted for the following birds:

• Cherry Finch - Aidemosyne modesta, adopted November 1993
• Cordon Bleu - Uraeginthus bengalus, adopted March 1986
• Diamond Sparrow (Firetail) - Steganopleura guttata, Emblema guttata, adopted November 1990
• Fire Finch - Lagonosticta senegala, adopted November 1992
• Gouldian Finch – Chloebia gouldiae, adopted March 1986
• Green Singing Finch – Serinus mozambicus, adopted June 1986
• Java Rice Bird – Padda oryzivora, adopted June 1988
• Lavender Finch – Estrilda caerulescens, adopted November 1990
• Pekin Robin – Leiothrix lutea, adopted February 1995
• Shaftail – Peophila acuticauda, adopted December 1987
• Society (Bengalese) – Lonchura striata, domesticated form, adopted February 1995
• Zebra Finch – Poephila guttata, adopted June 1998
• Pairs - adopted November 2001

In addition, the General Standard for Finches and Softbills, provides an excellent and in-depth discussion of conformation, condition, color and markings, deportment, and presentation as they apply to the many other varieties of finches and softbills which we are privileged to enjoy in aviculture.

The complete standards are available in The NFSS Judges Handbook and Official Standards, a publication of the National Finch and Softbill Society available through NFSS Finchshop.

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Last modified: February 15, 2005
Copyright © 1999 National Finch and Softbill Society