Red-browed Finch, drinking.
Photo: Ákos Lumnitzer © Ákos Lumnitzer
Red-browed Finch leaning over its nest.
Photo: SG Lane Collection © Australian Museum
Red-browed Finch, head detail.
Photo: SG Lane Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Neochmia temporalis
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Red-browed Finch
Scientific name: Neochmia temporalis
Family: Passeridae
Order: Passeriformes
What does it look like?
Description
The Red-browed Finch is most easily recognised by its bright red eyebrow, rump and beak, on an otherwise green and grey bird. Upperparts are olive green with grey underneath. Both sexes are similar in appearance. Often observed in small flocks, which feed on the grass. They will fly into dense undergrowth when disturbed by a passer-by. Red-browed Finches may also be called Red-browed Firetails.
Similar species
Silvereye
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Red-browed Finch occurs mostly east of the Great Dividing Range, between Cape York in Queensland and the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia
Habitat
The Red-browed Finch is found in grassy areas interspersed with dense understorey vegetation, often along creek lines.
Seasonal movements
Largely sedentary.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Red-browed Finch feeds on seeds and insects on the ground, but sometimes perches on seeding grass heads.
Breeding
The nest of the Red-browed Finch is large and domed, with a side tunnel for an entrance. It is a rough construction of twigs and grass stems built in a dense shrub between 1 and 2 metres from the ground. Both parents share nest-building, incubation of the eggs and feeding of the young when they hatch.
Living with us
Living with humans
Its preference for open grassy areas surrounded by dense shrubbery enables the Red-browed Finch to survive well in weedy areas along railway tracks and creek lines, where seeding grasses escape the lawnmower. It may also benefit from bird feeders, provided the seeds are small and larger competitors are excluded.
Urban habitat requirements
Its preference for open grassy areas surrounded by dense shrubbery enables the Red-browed Finch to survive well in weedy areas along railway tracks and creek lines, where seeding grasses escape the lawnmower. It may also benefit from bird feeders, provided the seeds are small and larger competitors are excluded.
References
Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. 1997. Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Simpson, K and Day, N. 1999. Field guide to the birds of Australia, 6th Edition. Penguin Books, Australia.