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Plum-headed Finch

(Neochmia modesta)
Alternative names: "Modest Finch", "Cherry Finch", "Plain-coloured Finch", "Diadem Finch"
Size: 11-12 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Plum-headed Finches are found primarily in the Great Dividing Range and in the plains to the west of the ranges, from about Sydney, NSW, and Orange, NSW, in the south, up to about Bourke, NSW, and Barcaldine, QLD, in the west, up to central and northern QLD, with the northern edge of their range near Cairns, QLD. They are found on the coastal fringe only from about Cairns to Townsville, QLD, from Byfield to Yeppoon, QLD, and from the Manning River to Sydney, NSW.

Plum-headed Finches can be found in open woodland or grassland, often in tall grass tussocks or reeds near creeks or also in farm dams.

Sightings

We spotted Plum-headed Finches for the first time in March 2006, on the bank of our former neighbour's billabong, 20 km south of Narrabri, NSW. In that instance, there were only one male and one female together; no larger flock in sight.

A single male bird was spotted in January 2008, in the area of Deriah Forest, 30 km east of Narrabri. In April 2009 first a small group of about 5 birds, possibly one couple with the year's clutch, appeared where we lived at the time, 20 km east of Narrabri. They were followed by a flock of at least 100, which stayed in the reeds on our dam for the next few months.

A flock of up to 50 birds was spotted by us at Narrabri Lake in December 2008 to March 2009. Seen in the same location again in April 2011, when about 10 birds were spotted.

Wherever we have seen Plum-headed Finches so far, they were always found either in tall grass (at least 0.5 m) or even higher reeds on the banks of rivers, dams or lakes. From there they go onto foraging trips into more open terrain, such as e.g. slashed paddocks.

Note the similarity of Plum-headed Finches with silverbills found elsewhere, e.g. Indian Silverbills. Body shape, tail and bill are all similar.

Photos

Lateral view of a male Plum-headed Finch

Near-frontal view of a male Plum-headed Finch

Back of a male Plum-headed Finch

Near-frontal view of a female Plum-headed Finch

Lateral view of a female Plum-headed Finch

Female Plum-headed Finch searching for seeds on the ground; note the faint-brown spot in front of the eye

View of the back of a female Plum-headed Finch; in this image one can see the dotted rump of the bird

Here a somewhat ruffled female bird

Pair of Plum-headed Finches in high reeds; male on top, female below

Looking at you, I think you need a wash! Preen?...

Preen! Outside leg first...

Female bird (right) with an immature bird (left), in reeds at Narrabri Lake

Frontal view of an immature Plum-headed Finch

Near-frontal view of a somewhat older immature bird

Lateral view of an immature Plum-headed Finch ; this photo in particular shows up very clearly the similarity with Indian Silverbills

Here the back of an immature bird

Family of Plum-headed Finches in the top of a dead tree

Breeding information

Breeding season: Oct - Apr Eggs: 4 - 6 Incubation period: 12 - 14 days Fledging age: 21 days

Nest

Type: Dome basket Material: Grass with feather lining Height above ground <2 m

Admittedly, the nest of the Plum-headed Finch is not visible in this photo, because we could not approach it without disturbing the birds, but we saw an adult bird (or two adults) entering and leaving these two grass tussocks frequently; the nest entrance is most likely in between the tussocks

Eggs

Size: 17 x 12 mm Colour: White Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Dispersive Elementary unit: FLock

All species of finches known to us are highly sociable.

Food

Like all other finches known to us, Plum-headed Finches feed on seeds. These include grass seeds and seeds of reeds.