About Neochmia temporalis (Latham, 1802)
The red-browed finch, scientifically named Neochmia temporalis, is an estrildid finch that is native to the east coast of Australia. This species has established introduced populations near Perth and in the Darling Ranges, and also has feral populations in French Polynesia. It is most commonly found in temperate forest and dry savannah habitats. It can also occur in dry forest and mangrove habitats in tropical regions. The species is identifiable by a bright red stripe above the eye and a bright red rump. The rest of its body is grey, with olive wing coverts and an olive collar. Juvenile red-browed finches do not have the red brow marking, and also lack olive colouration on the collar and wing coverts. Adult red-browed finches are 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) long. Red-browed finches are highly sociable, and are usually seen in small flocks of 10 to 20 individuals. Flocks are either sedentary or nomadic within their local range. Flocks prefer semi-open woodland, especially forest edges where brushy scrub meets cleared areas, particularly near creeks. This finch produces short, piping, high-pitched cheeping calls. When the flock is disturbed, all members will disperse while cheeping, then re-group close by. Neochmia temporalis is a seed-eating species that feeds mostly on grass and sedge seeds, but will readily consume many types of non-native seeds. Wild red-browed finches will even enter large-mesh suburban aviaries to eat seed when they have the chance. The red-browed finch builds a large domed nest with a side entrance, woven from grass and small twigs. Nests are usually placed 2–3 metres (6.6–9.8 ft) above the ground in dense shrubs. This species nests communally. Both parent birds share nest building, egg incubation, and feeding of the young. Each clutch contains four to six white eggs, and breeding can occur two or three times per year between October and April. Juvenile red-browed finches become fully independent within 28 days. Red-browed finches are common birds kept in aviaries. When kept together in captivity, red-browed finches will sometimes hybridise with the star finch, crimson finch, and zebra finch. After being introduced to southwest Australia, the species is sometimes confused with the red-eared firetail Stagonopleura oculata.
