Double-barred Finch

Description:

A small beautifully marked Australian finch, grass eater, but ocassionally eats small insects, owl-like face in soft white/blue, beak soft blue/grey short and stout, eyes dark, underbody whitish/buff, chest more white, back soft pink grey, black wing edges and white spots, tail black, black band around mid belly another black band around face under chin and meeting at top of beak. Two sub species exist - the eastern which has a white rump and the western which has a black rump. The finches are nomadic usually travelling in small flocks although that is a rare sight these days.

Habitat:

Found throughout eastern, northern and north west Australia usually close to water sources in grasslands and open woodland. This one not far from river system in dry woodland and garden.