Species Profile
Long-tailed Finch
Poephila acuticauda
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
5–8 years
Length
15–17 cm
Weight
12–17 g
Wingspan
18–20 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: Blackheart Finch, Shaft-tail Finch
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Appearance
The Long-tailed Finch is a small, elegant bird with a distinctive long, pointed tail. Its body is predominantly pale pinkish grey-brown, with a white rump and underparts. The face features a striking black 'bib' extending from the beak to the chest.
Both sexes look mostly similar, with either a yellow or orange beak, orange legs, and a black tail. Females may sometimes be duller overall with smaller bibs, and have shorter wings and tails.
Juveniles have duller plumage and lack the black bib, which develops as they mature. The varying bill colour distinguishes the subspecies, with the western group having yellow beaks and the eastern having red.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Yellow
- Legs
- Orange
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Long-tailed Finches are native to northern Australia, inhabiting tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannahs, and open woodlands. They are particularly common in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
These finches prefer areas with a mix of grasses and scattered trees, often near water sources. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with no significant seasonal movements.
Distribution
Diet
Long-tailed Finches primarily feed on grass seeds, particularly from sorghum and spinifex grasses.
They forage on the ground or directly from seed heads, occasionally supplementing their diet with small insects, especially during the breeding season when protein demands are higher.
Behaviour
Long-tailed Finches are highly social, often seen in small flocks of 10-20 birds. They have a distinctive bouncing flight pattern, alternating between rapid wing beats and brief glides.
When foraging, they hop along the ground, picking seeds with quick, precise movements.
Calls & Sounds
The Long-tailed Finch has a variety of soft, musical calls. Their most common vocalisation is a gentle, trilling 'seeee-seeee' or 'tswee-tswee'.
During courtship, males produce a more elaborate song, a series of rapid, high-pitched notes often accompanied by a bouncing dance.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs primarily during the wet season, from December to March. Long-tailed Finches form monogamous pairs and often nest in loose colonies. They construct large, dome-shaped nests using grass stems and seed heads.
Nests are typically built in low shrubs or trees, 1-3 meters above the ground. The female lays 4-6 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 13-14 days.
Both parents feed nestlings and fledge after approximately 21 days. Young birds may remain with their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Long-tailed Finches face localised threats from habitat loss due to overgrazing and changes in fire regimes.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable grassland habitats and controlling invasive plant species that may impact their food sources.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near water sources in grasslands and savannahs
- Listen for their soft, trilling calls to locate flocks
- Observe their distinctive long tails and bouncing flight pattern
- In Australia, visit northern regions like the Kimberley or Top End for the best chances of spotting them
Did You Know?
- Long-tailed Finches can survive without drinking water for extended periods by obtaining moisture from their food.
- They have specialised beaks adapted for husking grass seeds efficiently.
- These finches sometimes form mixed flocks with other finch species, particularly during the dry season.
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