Songs & Calls
A loud musical flute-like song, often performed as a duet or by groups. Bird call recorded by Fred Van Gessel
Local Notes
I love the flitting red-browed finches they always make me smile. Getting around in little flocks, chirping and darting through the scrub or by the creek. They move together like they’re teamed up on a shared task, reminding me of the beauty of our community. I love their flashes of red and the way they nest side by side. They are our tiny, social souls bringing mini life and colour to the world.
by Virginia Waters
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-eating birds, especially other finches and parrots, such as Red-rumped Parrots. Red-browed Finches also often associate with small insectivorous species, especially family groups of Superb 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 Superb 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.
Credit Birdlife Australia
