Identification Plum Headed
Finch
Male:
olive-brown above; spotted white on wings. White below,
barred brown. Forehead, crown, chin deep claret. Bill,
lores and tail black. Female: no claret chin spot. Thin
white line above and to rear of eye. Size 10.5-11.5 cm.
Juv: no claret head markings; faint barring on abdomen.
Voice Plum Headed Finch
Loud
tinkling whistle 'pyiiit' in identification and flight;
soft murmured 'tlip' in close contact. Song: Very soft
high pitched chirping and gargling trills which become
louder and more flute like towards end.
Habitat Plum Headed Finch
Open
woodland bordering watercourses. In pairs or small
flocks. Food: seeds of grasses and other plants.
Distribution
Plum Headed Finch
From
Cairns (Qld) through the central areas of New South Wales
to near the Victorian border.
Nest Plum Headed Finch
Bottle
shaped, composed of dried grasses and lined with
feathers; built in tall grass, among thistles, or in a
low bush.
Breeding
Plum Headed Finch
Breeding
Season: September to May. Eggs: Four to seven; white.
Incubation 14 days, by both sexes. Young fledge in about
21 days.
Breeders
Price Guide (Aviary bred pairs) Plum Headed Finch
$40
to $50
Aviary
Licence Requirements Plum Headed Finch
| ACT |
NSW |
NT |
Qld |
SA |
Tas |
Vic |
WA |
| No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
? |
Yes |
Yes |
Aviary Notes
Plum Headed Finch
They prefer an aviary that is dry and away from cold and
drafts. The pair bond is strong, but they might take a
new mate. They can be kept in a collection of small seed
eaters. Paired up or as a colony. A lot of time is spent
on the ground foraging.
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