Double-barred Finch

Description:

Double-barred Finches "[have] two narrow, black bars which extend across (and contrast with) its otherwise white front — one goes across its breast and the other across the lower portion of its throat. This second bar encloses the bird’s face and gives the impression that the bird has a facial disc, a little reminiscent of that of a Barn Owl. It is this feature that has led to the bird being colloquially referred to as the ‘Owl Finch’ or the ‘Owl-faced Finch’." (Birdlife Australia: http://www.birdlife.org.au/bird-profile/... ) The striking blue/grey bill contrasts with dark brown/black wings with white spots, and grey/brown upper. The Western ssp annulosa is distinguished by a black rump compared to a white rump on the Eastern race.

Habitat:

These little ones were chilling with a lone Red-headed Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) and some Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda acuticauda) adults and juveniles at Goombaragin on the Dampier Peninsula. They had been bathing together in the birdbath that was on the ground amongst the trees.