First Day of Spring
Chapter One of an artist's journal
What better day to launch a new website than on the first day of spring? And a beautiful day it's been too! During an early morning walk I saw a group of red browed finches and was able to get close enough to watch them for a while as they flitted around like butterflies, busily foraging for seeds. Signs also that spring has sprung, as different plants and flowers are starting to bloom.
I'll be posting my work on this blog but also nature's works of art as this is my main subject matter and interest.
Thanks for visiting my website.
A flock of foraging red-browed finches; The shallows of Balmoral Beach, Mosman.
About the red-browed finch
This finch (Neochmia temporalis), also known as the red-browed firetail, is a small, colourful bird native to eastern and southeastern Australia. Belonging to the Estrildidae family, this species is widely recognised by a bright red stripe that runs above its eye, extending from the beak to just past the ear coverts. Its vibrant plumage, social behaviour, and adaptability have made it one of the more commonly observed finch species across its range.
Adult red-browed finches are typically around 11–12 centimetres (4.3–4.7 inches) in length and weigh about 10 grams. Their plumage is predominantly olive-green on the back with a grey face and underparts. The namesake red brow, combined with a red rump and tail, offers a vivid contrast against the otherwise muted body coloration. Their beak is short, conical, and red—well-adapted for seed consumption. Males and females appear similar in colour, although males may show slightly brighter hues, a distinction that often requires close observation to successfully differentiate.
The natural distribution of the red-browed finch stretches from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland down to eastern South Australia, including Tasmania. These birds are found in a variety of habitats such as open forests, grasslands, woodlands, coastal heath, and even urban parks and gardens. They prefer environments with dense undergrowth or shrubs, which provide both cover from predators and nesting opportunities.
Red-browed finches are highly social and usually seen in small flocks, although larger groups may form outside the breeding season. They communicate through soft, high-pitched calls and engage in mutual preening, reinforcing social bonds within the group. These birds are largely ground feeders, consuming a diet primarily composed of grass seeds. However, they may also feed on small insects, particularly during the breeding season when additional protein is required for chick development.
Breeding typically occurs from spring to late summer (September to February), though this can vary depending on local conditions. Pairs construct dome-shaped nests from fine grasses and feathers, often hidden in dense shrubs or low trees and nests are usually lined with feathers for insulation. The female lays between four and six white eggs, which both parents incubate for around 12 to 14 days. After hatching, both adults feed the chicks by means of regurgitation and the fledglings leave the nest about 20 days after hatching, remaining with the parents for several weeks before becoming independent.
The red-browed finch is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, owing to its wide range and stable population. Unlike many native Australian birds, it has adapted well to human-modified landscapes and often thrives in suburban environments, despite the recent increase in larger birds that pose a threat to them.
This species plays a valuable ecological role by aiding in seed dispersal and contributing to the biodiversity of grassland and woodland ecosystems. Its charming appearance and gentle demeanour also make it a favourite among birdwatchers and aviculture enthusiasts, though conservationists emphasise the importance of ethical bird-keeping practices to protect wild populations.
