Quick Tips and Information for Own Finches

Bird Name:

Owl Finch

Latin Name:

Taeniopygia bichenovii

Status:

Least Concern

Scientific Classification:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Estrildidae

Genus: Taeniopygia

Species: T. bichenovii

General Information:

The Owl Finch is also known as the Bicheno Finch, Double-bar finch, and Clown finch. It is one of the smallest grass finches and is considered highly social, appearing in flocks of 20 - 40 birds.

Physical Description:

On average, it is around 3.5 - 4 inches in length. It has a white face encircled by a think black line. A second black line crosses its lower breast. The top of its head and its back are brownish, and its wings and tail are brown-black with white spots. The Owl Finch's breast and belly are creamy/white in color. The sexes are virtually similar in appearance, although the male may stand slightly taller. Juveniles have a more brownish hue above and less distinguished markings. There is also a subspecies of this bird, almost identical except for its black rump (as opposed to the white rump of the nominate species).

Diet:

Like other finches, the Owl Finch is a seedeater. It is also known to hunt for insects.

Habitat:

The Owl Finch occurs across northern and eastern Australia. It can be found on savannahs, tropical (lowland) grasslands, shrublands, open woodlands, and along the forest edge. The Owl Finch is also known to venture into gardens, sugarcane fields, and other cultivated areas. It builds its nest in grass, bushes, or low trees.

Reproduction:

In eastern Australia, breeding season is mainly during spring and autumn. In northern Australia, breeding occurs during the second half of the rainy season, but may happen later. Males typically sing during the breeding season. An average clutch size is generally 3 - 6 eggs, with 4 -5 being most common. Incubation lasts about 12 days, and hatchlings fledge at about 22 - 26 days of age. The Owl Finch is known to hybridize with a number of other finches, including the Zebra Finch, Long-tailed Grass Finch, Yellow-rumped Finch, and Masked Finch.

Tony Mandarich