Prominent red eyebrows and a bright red rump pop against a background of grey and olive green, making this small waxbill easy to recognize!
The Red-Browed Finch (Neochmia temporalis) is easily distinguishable mainly due to their prominent red eyebrows, rump, and beak. This bright splash of color stands out from an otherwise green back and grey chest and belly. The tail is black, and the throat and cheeks are grey.
Juvenile birds lack the red eyebrows of the adult birds and also lack the olive coloration of the back and wing coverts.
These birds inhabit the east coast of Australia and have also been introduced to French Polynesia.
The Red-Browed Finch can often be found in grassy areas interspersed with dense understory vegetation, often alongside creek beds.
Red-Browed Finches are seed eaters, dining mostly on grass and sedge seeds, but will happily feed on a wide variety of non-native seeds.
During the breeding season, both male and female Red-Browed Finches build a large domed-shaped nest with a side entrance, woven from grass and small twigs. This nest is built around 2 to 3 meters above ground level in dense shrubbery. Four to six eggs are laid within. Both parents also share in the incubation of the eggs and feeding the young once they hatch. Juvenile birds are fully dependent on their parents until they are around 28 days old.
Currently, this species is classified as of Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are stable.
The Red-Browed Finch is a true testament to the incredible artistry of nature, showcasing vivid colors and striking contrasts that captivate all who have the opportunity to admire its beauty. As we continue to cherish and protect these delicate wonders, we ensure that such masterpieces of the natural world will thrive for generations to come.
