Red-browed Firetail

Emblema temporalis

Other Names: Redbill, Redbrow, Red-eyebrowed Finch, Redhead, Sydney Waxbill, Temporal Finch, Waxbill.

		DISTRIBUTION: Common in variety of habitats which contain grassy areas interspersed with dense trees and bushes, from Mt Lofty Ranges northward to north Queensland. Also in parks and gardens. Colony established near Perth by aviary escapees.
Red-browed Firetail	Distribution Map

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 120 mm

MALE: Back olive-green; rump and upper tail-coverts crimson; tail dark brown; head grey; olive-yellow patch on side of neck; lores and eyebrows crimson. Throat, ear-coverts and entire underparts grey. Eye deep maroon; bill, top and bottom partly black, sides red; legs flesh coloured.

FEMALE: Similar to male but eyebrow usually longer and more tapered.

IMMATURES: Rump and upper tail-coverts dull crimson; underparts ash-brown; bill black; eye brown.

NESTING.

Breeds in September - November in the south of its range and January - April in the North. Nest is flask-shaped with tunnel entrance constructed of stiff green and/or dry grass, occasionally with pieces of bark or leaves; measures 200-280 mm long, 140mm high, 100-130 mm wide. Placed mainly in thorny bushes less than 2 metres above ground. Eggs: Six to eight; pure white; 16 X 12 mm

FORMS.

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: I have found that these birds will nest almost anywhere although they will usually prefer a nest box including parrot nest boxes rather than build a nest of their own. I have seen these birds build nests in tea tree branches and planted trees but very rarely. Best results have been from boxes 150 mm square X 125 mm high with a 40 mm access hole in the front and a small landing platform just below the entrance. (See the Plans page for more information)

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 this species with the Masked Finch or the Long-tailed Finch or any of the subspecies.

AVIARY SPECIFICATIONS.	WIRE MESH: 1/4 x 1/4 or 6 mm x 6 mm	Also known as mouse wire
LENGTH: 11ft 6in or 3575 mm	WIDTH:6ft or 1800 mm	HEIGHT: 8ft or 2400 mm
SHED: Half the aviary should be enclosed. These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.	FLOOR: I have found a dirt floor preferable.	OTHER:

BREEDER SUBMISSIONS.
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Red-browed Firetail

Emblema temporalis

Other Names: Redbill, Redbrow, Red-eyebrowed Finch, Redhead, Sydney Waxbill, Temporal Finch, Waxbill.

Red-browed Firetail

Distribution Map