Red-Browed Finch

## Description

The red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis ) is an estrildid finch that inhabits the east coast of Australia. This species has also been introduced to French Polynesia. It is commonly found in temperate forest and dry savannah habitats. It may also be found in dry forest and mangrove habitats in tropical region.

The species is distinguished by the bright red stripe above the eye, and bright red rump. The rest of the body is grey, with olive wing coverts and collar. Juveniles do not have red brow marks, and lack olive colouration on the collar and wing coverts. The adults are 11–12 cm long.

## Appearance

Red-browed finches are native to Australia. These beautiful birds can be easily recognized by the bright red stripe above the eye, and bright red rump. The rest of their body is grey, with olive wing coverts and collar. Juveniles do not have red brow marks and lack olive coloration on the collar and wing coverts.

## Distribution

Red-browed finches are found on the east coast of Australia. They live in temperate forest, dry savannah and may also be found in dry forest and mangrove habitats in the tropical regions. These colorful birds prefer semi-open woodland, especially edges of forests, where brushy scrub meets cleared areas, especially near creeks.

## Behavior

Red-browed finches are highly sociable and are usually seen in small flocks of 10 to 20 individuals. Flocks are sedentary or nomadic in their local area. These are diurnal birds spending most of their time foraging and communicating with their short, piping high-pitched cheeps. When disturbed, the whole flock will disperse, cheeping, and re-congregate near-by. During the night birds sleep on perches or in "roosting" nests which they build for nighttime rest.

## Diet

Red-browed finches are herbivores (granivores) feeding mainly on grass and sedge seed and will even enter large-mesh aviaries in suburban areas to eat seeds. They may also consume berries and insects.

## Reproduction

Little information is known about the mating system in Red-browed finches. However, like other finch species, they might exhibit a monogamous mating system, with both, the male and the female having only one partner. These birds usually nest communally. They build a large domed nest with a side entrance, woven from grass and small twigs. Nests are usually built 2-3 meters above the ground in dense shrubs. Both parents share nest-building, incubation of the eggs, and feed the young together. The female lays four to six white eggs per clutch two or three times per year, between October and April. Incubation usually lasts about 13-14 days. Chicks are altricial; they are hatched naked and with their eyes closed. They fledge 2 weeks after hatching and become fully independent within 28 days.

## Population

### Population threats

There are no major threats facing Red-browed finches at present.

### Population number

The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Red-browed finch total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.

## Fun Facts for Kids

The Red-browed finch was first described by the English ornithologist John Latham in 1801.

The Red-browed finch is the only finch species that forages not only on the ground but also in tree canopies.

Red-browed finches are popular aviary birds and will sometimes hybridize with the Star finch, Crimson finch, and Zebra finch if kept together in captivity. The species has been introduced to southwest Australia, where it is sometimes confused with the Red-eared firetail.