The super cute red-browed sparrow is most easily recognized by its bright red eyebrows, rump and beak

The super cute red-browed sparrow is most easily recognized by its bright red eyebrows, rump and beak

Bird Overview

Often seen foraging for grass seeds on the ground, the Red-browed Finch usually occurs in flocks of up to 10 birds and sometimes more. It often forages with other seed-eаtіпɡ birds, especially other finches and parrots, such as Red-rumped Parrots. Red-browed Finches also often associate with small insectivorous ѕрeсіeѕ, especially family groups of ѕᴜрeгЬ Fairy-wrens, as well as Yellow-rumped Thornbills. The association with the fairy wrens is especially interesting, as the simple song of the Red-browed Finch sometimes sounds superficially similar to the contact call of the ѕᴜрeгЬ Fairy-wren.

Identification

The Red-browed Finch is most easily recognised by its bright red eyebrow, rump and beak, on an otherwise green and grey bird. Upperparts are olive green with grey underneath. Both sexes are similar in appearance. Often observed in small flocks, which feed on the grass. They will fly into dense undergrowth when disturbed by a passer-by. Red-browed Finches may also be called Red-browed Firetails.

Songs and Calls

Short, high-pitched whistles. Bird call recorded by: Fred Van Gessel

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Photography by David Ongley

Photography by David Ongley

Photography by Andrew Silcocks

Photography by John Barkla

Photography by David Ongley

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Location

The Red-browed Finch occurs mostly east of the Great Dividing Range, between Cape York in Queensland and the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia

Habitat

The Red-browed Finch is found in grassy areas interspersed with dense understorey vegetation, often along creek lines.