Long-tailed Finch
Poephila acuticauda· 梅花雀科(2 photos)
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Long-tailed Finch
15-16.5 cm. Bill yellow in n. WA, orange-red in NT/Q; head grey, ear patch white, large black throat-patch. Rump/underparts white, with black flank-mark and bar across rump; long, black pointed tail. Juvenile: bill blackish; short tail more pointed than Black-throated Finch; legs black. Pairs, to flocks in which pairs persist. Forages on ground and in grasses, takes flying insects.
- Other name
- Blackheart.
- Similar Species
- Black-throated, Masked Finches.
- Voice
- mournful, descending 'peew'. Alarm-call: staccato, 'cheek-chee-chee-cheek'.
- Habitat
- grassy woodlands near water; coastal plains with pandanus.
- Breeding
- Feb.-June.
- Nest
- domed, with entrance-spout, of dry grass, creepers; lined with fine grass, plant down, feathers, charcoal; 15-20 m high in foliage, mistletoe, pandanus; or low in grass, incl. spinifex.
- Eggs
- 5-6; white, oval.
- Range & Status
- coastal n. Aust.: from Broome (WA), through Kimberley, Top End (NT), s. to c. Elliott; e. into nw. Q, to c. Burketown-Leichhardt R., s. to Mt Isa region. Common. Sedentary.
- Distribution key to races
- 1. Poephila acuticauda acuticauda 2. Poephila acuticauda hecki
