CRIMSON FINCH
Neochmia phaeton
DESCRIPTION
The Crimson Finch is a small, striking bird of northern Australia. Males have brilliant crimson-red plumage across the face and body, while females are generally duller with less red. Both have a strong, pointed bill well suited to feeding on seeds.
QUICK FACTS
Crimson Finches are native to northern Australia and New Guinea.
• Males are much brighter red than females.
• They are usually found close to water.
• They often feed amongst tall grasses and reeds.
• Their strong bills are adapted for cracking and eating grass seeds.
• They build rounded nests from grass and other plant material.
• Crimson Finches are often seen in pairs or small groups.
WHERE IT LIVES
Crimson Finches are found across tropical northern Australia, usually close to water. They favour wetlands, floodplains, rivers, creeks and areas with tall grasses, pandanus and dense vegetation.
WHAT IT EATS
Crimson Finches mainly eat seeds from native grasses. They also feed on small insects, particularly when breeding and raising young.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
Crimson Finches are small and incredibly quick, which makes photographing them in flight a challenge. I captured these two amongst the pandanus just as they crossed paths, with their wings and tails spread. Freezing such a brief moment showed details in their feathers and movement that are almost impossible to see with the naked eye.