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24

Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) Alternate name(s): "Red-faced Finch", "Red-tailed Finch" Size: 10-12 cm Weight: 10-12 g

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Similar species

Description     Classification     Distribution     Sightings     Photos     Breeding     Nest     Eggs     Behaviour     Food     Call/s

Physical description Click here for a physical description Star Finches are small to medium-sized finches. Both sexes have a red facial mask, a dull olive-grey back, an olive-grey chest with white specks and a chestnut tail. The only differences between males and females are that the latter have a more yellowish-olive belly than the male's yellowish-grey one, and that the spot pattern of males is coarser than that of females. The triangular bill is the same shade of red as the facial mask. The irises are orange-brown, the legs and feet are greyish-orange. Juveniles have a greyish-brown front, with a somewhat lighter belly, and a dark brownish-grey head, back and wings. The uppertail is reddish to chestnut. Their bill is black and their irises are darker brown than those of adults.

Taxonomy, classification See Star Finch at Wikipedia .

Range, habitat, finding this species Click here for information on habitat and range The overall distribution of this species can be assessed based on sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to ebird.org . The global distribution of the Star Finch is available HERE . Star Finches are endemic to the Australian continent. There used to be 3 races of Star Finches, but nominate race "ruficauda", which occupied central eastern QLD, is probably extinct. Of the remaining two races, "clarescens" is found in three small areas along the coastline of Cape York peninsula, QLD. "subclarescens" has three separate sub-populations. One occupies north-western WA, northward of Exmouth, WA, as far eastward as the western end of Eighty Mile Beach, WA. A second sub-population resides in the western Kimberley, WA, while a third is found from the eastern Kimberley eastward into the northern inland NT, and from there northward towards Darwin and Kakadu NP, NT. Star Finches have a preference for dry grassland and dry savannah.

Sightings Click here for sighting information Race "subclarescens" B. Hensen reports spotting a Star Finch, race "subclarescens", at Timber Creek, NT, in July 2018. P. Brown reports finding a Star Finch, race "subclarescens", along the Victoria River, Judburra (Gregory) NP, near Timber Creek, NT, in November 2018.

Photos

Race "subclarescens"

ADULT

MALE

Distant near-dorsal view of a Star Finch - the bird was identified from closer range, but did not stay for a close-up photo; based on the colour of its belly it may be a male (photo courtesy of B. Hensen)
[Timber Creek, NT, July 2018]

Family clan of Star Finches (photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Timber Creek airport, Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

FEMALE

Lateral view of a female Star Finch; note the small red facial mask and the absence of white spots on the crown
(photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Victoria River, Judburra (Gregory) NP, near Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

Lateral view of a female Star Finch; note the small red facial mask and the absence of white spots on the crown
(photo courtesy of P. Brown)
[Victoria River, Judburra (Gregory) NP, near Timber Creek, NT, November 2018]

These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our contributors. The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species please refer to a field guide.

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