B272 Double-barred Finch (Owl Finch)

Description:

Also called the Owl-faced Finch, the Double-barred Finch is a long-tailed grass-finches, and is distinguished by its ‘owl-faced’ features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts and black band across the chest. The wings are black with small white spots. Its tail is black and bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars.

They usually feed in flocks and have a bouncing, undulating flight pattern.

My Sightings:

My first sightings of the Double-barred finch were in 2020 in the backyard at Bundamba, South Qld, where they were attracted by the birdbath. I’ve also seen them in the long grasses nearby, where they gather in large numbers.

My next photos have been in June and July of 2021 in the backyard at Kalbar, South Qld. Often seen with them is the Chestnut-breasted Mannakin.