Crimson Finch
Neochmia phaeton
Elegant, long-tailed finch, adult male brown above, intense crimson below, with a cherry-red face and small pale spots on the side of the chest. Birds in New Guinea and Cape York with white belly, those elsewhere in Australia with black. Female duller, with only red face. Juvenile mostly brownish with dark bill but note long tail. Star Finch has shorter tail, greener plumage. Inhabits tall grass areas, especially with Pandanus (palm-like tree with leaves attached in a corkscrew pattern).
Identification
The crimson finch is a relatively small-sized bird. It is about 13 cm in length and weighs just 13g (0.46 oz). Standout features include a bright crimson color, long tail, and white specks that run across the sides of its body. There are also shades of grey around the neck area. This species is sexually dimorphic as the females are slightly paler in color. However, the same plumage is observed for both sexes.<p>A difference between males and females is that males have longer tails and bills. In addition, they are larger and heavier. Three weeks after fledging, crimson finches moult into adult plumage. The moult is only partial as juvenile greater primary coverts are preserved.
Taxonomy
Hombron and Jacquinot first observed crimson finches at Raffles Bay in northern Australia in 1841. Its protonym is Fringilla phaeton. <p>"Crimson finch" has been designated as the official common name for the species by the International Ornithologists' Union (IOC). Alternate names include "blood finch" and "killer finch", derived from its tendency for aggressive behavior towards other red birds.<p>The crimson finch belongs to the family Estrildidae. Two subspecies are recognised: the black-bellied crimson finch (Neochmia p. phaeton) and its white-bellied counterpart (Neochmia p. evangelinae). A related species is the star finch (Neochmia ruficauda). It also bears resemblance to birds of the genus Lagonosticta (firefinches), to which it is closely related. Common physical characteristics between crimson finches and firefinches include a red head and bright crimson coat.
- Scientific name
- Neochmia phaeton
- Authority
- (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Neochmia
Range and habitat
Crimson finches are mainly distributed across Northern Australia with some residing in New Guinea. They are common in the Kimberley (Northwest) region but less widespread in the Queensland (Northeast) area.<p>Crimson finches' preferred habitats are areas with tall, dense grasses. They typically reside near wetlands (riparian vegetation) that have an abundance of Pandanus trees. For nesting, they utilize shrubs and dry brush to establish nests at the base of Pandanus trees. Nests are also commonly established within hollow tree limbs.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Crimson finches are renowned for their aggressive behavior; hence the nicknames "blood finch" and "killer finch". Males are aggressive towards birds of the same species as well as different species. In any case, there is no consideration of age, coloration, or body size. Aggressive encounters are largely held on an individual basis and thus vary. Female crimson finches also exhibit similar aggressive behavior towards intruders if they are the primary defenders of a nest. However, little is known about female aggression.<p>For breeding, crimson finches' primary mating system is monogamy. There are about 4 to 5 breeding pairs per 100 meters. They are known to be non-territorial and establish nests in close proximity to other birds' nests. They primarily nest in areas that are centrally located to riparian vegetation and rivers. Unlike other southern passerines that lay small clutches, crimson finches have extremely large clutch sizes. This deviance could be explained by high rates of nest predation by reptiles, which use their olfactory sense to find nests.<p>For feeding, crimson finches primarily feed on seeds of grasses. One example is Xerochloa imberbis, a type of rice grass. They also feed on insects.<p>Crimson finches have high survival rates (70-96%). They can live up to 5 years and beyond.
Conservation
According to the IUCN Red List, the crimson finch is classified as "least concern" The current population is stable and doesn't see any substantial threats. However, their habitat has been vulnerable due to floods caused by dam construction. Despite this, they have adapted and have yet to encounter any significant problems as indicated by their unaffected nesting and breeding success.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Annam Prinia
Prinia rocki
A dull and poorly marked prinia with a strong bill and a long, graduated tail. Light brown above with faint dark streaking. Pale below, sometimes with some dark smudging along the sides of the breast. In breeding plumage, develops a rufous wash on the underparts. Found at moderate elevations in open dry forest, shrubby areas, and forest or agricultural edges. Can be retiring and difficult to see in dense vegetation. Sings two different song types: a dry rolling trill and a repeated two-syllabled “tulip.” Separated from other prinias by its plainness and lack of contrasting head markings.
Painted Firetail
Emblema pictum
Tiny bird, more slender than other waxbills, olive brown above, blackish with white-spotted flanks below. Male with bright red face, female with red around eye. Cherry red rump obvious in flight. Found in arid inland Australia, in rocky gorges and hills with water nearby.
Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail
Prioniturus flavicans
A large green parrot with a thin pair of tail rackets, confined to North Sulawesi and satellite islands. Entirely green, except for distinct yellow wash on breast and collar. Males show a small red crown patch. Juveniles lack rackets. Found in pairs and groups in canopy of forests and edges in lowlands and foothills. Prominent yellow breast and large size of this species distinguish it from Golden-mantled Racquet-tail. If rackets are not seen, note the silvery-gray bill, unlike Blue-naped Parrot. Noisy, giving varied vocalizations. Song is a high-pitched “kut-ut-ut-kler-kler.” Also gives screeches, squeaking, piping, and ear-splitting “kraa” notes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.