Monday, March 30, 2009

Double-barred Finch

This beautifully patterned little bird was hunting around in the grass beside the bay the other day. I had good clear views - but it certainly wouldn't let me get any closer. Double-barred Finches have a most distinctive call - they sound rather like a tiny mewing kitten.
I have also heard these birds around my house but I think they are using the more dense shrubs in the neighbour's yard.
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15 comments:

  1. LarryMarch 30, 2009 at 11:43 PM

    What a gorgeous bird Mick. The markings on that little guy are beautiful and unique.

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  2. Bob KaufmanMarch 31, 2009 at 2:12 AM

    Mick, those are beautiful shots! I have seen them here (unfortunately in cages) and are known as Owl Finches.

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  3. BirdingMaineMarch 31, 2009 at 2:13 AM

    That's an awesome looking bird and you have captured it very nicely!

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  4. mickMarch 31, 2009 at 4:30 AM

    Hi Larry, Bob and Cynthia and BirdMaine - thanks for visiting and commenting. Yes they are sometimes called Owl Finches, and I'm sure they look better flying free than in a cage!

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  5. coreyMarch 31, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    That is one sweet-looking bird...nice pics!

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  6. AprilMarch 31, 2009 at 12:17 PM

    That is a wonderful looking finch with very impressive markings.

    Thank you for stopping by earlier. In answer to your question, there is also a narrow river channel that flows to the lake. I think many of the swans follow that channel where there would be more aquatic plants for them. But, I have seen them at the lake end as well feeding and pulling up plants near the shore. They seem to do all right.

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  7. SnailMarch 31, 2009 at 3:25 PM

    Double-barred finches are lovely birds. Used to see them a lot in tall grass up north, where they'd spend as much time calling to one another as eating.

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  8. mickMarch 31, 2009 at 4:08 PM

    Thanks for visiting and commenting Corey, April and Snail.

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  9. KyleApril 1, 2009 at 12:27 AM

    Beautiful captures, Mick. That's a new species for me -- those markings are outstanding. I can definitely understand whey they would be called "owl finches" with that facial outline.

    Wonderful BPW post!

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  10. GouldiaeApril 1, 2009 at 5:45 AM

    G'day Mick,
    The Double Bars are sweet little birds, and they are a popular aviary species. I love all the Aussie finches - it's great to see you have them around your place.
    Gouldiae

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  11. mickApril 1, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    Thanks Kyle

    Hi Goudliae, I can understand why they would be popular as cage birds - but its definitely nicer to see them flying around free!

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  12. Dawn FineApril 1, 2009 at 11:41 PM

    Wow..what a very cool bird...I think i need to get to Australia someday!

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  13. mickApril 2, 2009 at 4:23 AM

    Hi Dawn, come on down! There's sure lots to see!

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  14. WendyApril 4, 2009 at 12:45 AM

    What a beautiful bird. How wonderful that it showed up so nicely for you.

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  15. VickieApril 7, 2009 at 1:11 AM

    What a cool bird!

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