Double-barred Finch on branch.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers © K Vang and W Dabrowka / Bird Explorers
Double-barred Finch at nest.
Photo: SG Lane Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Taeniopygia bichenovii
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Double-barred Finch
Scientific name: Taeniopygia bichenovii
Family: Passeridae
Order: Passeriformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Small insect-eating birds
What does it look like?
Description
The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. These grass-finches usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.
Similar species
There are two subspecies of Double-barred Finch: the eastern race has a white rump and the western race has a black rump. Otherwise, distinguished form other finches by its 'owl-face'.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Double-barred Finch is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).
Habitat
The Double-barred Finch prefers dry grassy woodlands and scrublands, open forests and farmlands. It is never far from water.
Seasonal movements
Nomadic; only an occasional visitor to extreme south-eastern part of range.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Double-barred Finch feeds on the ground on seeds. It will also take insects, especially when breeding. It usually feeds in groups or flocks of up to 40 birds.
Breeding
The Double-barred Finch builds a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into a inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick shrubs, or even in the eaves of a building, often close to an active wasps' nest. Both parents incubate and feed the young.
References
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.
Rowland, P. 1996. A Photographic Guide to Birds of Australia. Australian Museum/New Holland.