Double-barred Finch

DISTRIBUTION:

A Double-barred Finch at the entrance to its spherical nest built of grasses.

Distribution Map.

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 110 mm

MALE: Head, back and upper wings brown-black with white spots; upper rump and tail black; lower rump and undertail-coverts white in eastern race, black in western race. Underparts and face cream; thin black ring from forehead above eye, around face and through throat; another thin black bar around lower breast from on wing to other. Eye dark brown; bill blue-grey; legs grey.

FEMALE: Similar to male but black bars may be narrower.

IMMATURES: Duller than adults with bars indistinct.

NESTING. 

Breeds mostly spring and summer in south; June-November in Queensland; January-March in north-west. Nest almost spherical, with very short entrance tunnel, of dry grass stems; lined with feathers or plant wool; measures 140 mm long, 120 mm high and 90 mm wide. Placed in small shrubs and trees. Eggs: four or five; white; 16 X 12 mm.

FORMS. 

White-rumped Double-barred Finch, Black-rumped Double-barred Finch.

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: These birds prefer to build their own nest in thick shrubs or in a wire mesh tube filled with loose grass. I have seen them use a nest box but only on rare occasions. 

FEEDING: A general finch mix is ideal for this bird. Birds will also readily take seeding grasses and live food. However I have had seen these birds breed successfully with just a mixed seed diet. Egg and biscuit will also be taken readily. 

OTHER FEEDS: Cuttlebone and shell grit should be supplied at all times.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: There are no special requirements for this species. However care should be taken not to house the two forms together.

These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.