Environment and Resource Management

Crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies)

Common name: crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies)

Scientific name: Neochmia phaeton evangelinae

Family: Passeridae

Conservation status: The crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies) is listed as Endangered in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992) and Vulnerable nationally (Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). It is ranked as a high priority under the Department of Environment and Resource Management Back on Track species prioritisation framework. 

Description

Adult male crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies) have a bright red face, throat, breast, and flanks. There is a series of white spots on the flanks and the abdomen is white. The crown, back and sides of the neck, back and shoulders, and wings are brownish-grey. The upper surface of the wings are washed with red. The tail is mainly red above. The bill is red, legs and feet are brownish. The females are similar to the males, however, their crown and back are brown and the underparts are a pale fawn.

Habitat and distribution

The crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies) is restricted to far north Queensland, and is known from one population on the east coast and three populations along the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. This subspecies has experienced local extinctions and has declined in range since 1900.

Preferred habitat types include pandanus (swampy grasslands with scattered Pandanus spiralis usually located within 10 km of the coast) and cane grass (open forest with a thick grassy understorey, usually located along watercourses).

Life history and behaviour

Very little is known about the life history of these finches in the wild, but it is assumed to be similar to that of the more common crimson finch (black-bellied subspecies). Crimson finches (white-bellied subspecies) usually nest once each year and breeding coincides with the wet season. Nests are constructed in trees with a palm-like structure, such as pandanus on the west coast of Cape York Peninsula. Only one nest has been examined, which contained four eggs. These finches are usually seen in small flocks or family groups. Dispersal ability is limited. Feeding parties venture into the grassy woodlands during the day and retire to creek-side vegetation to roost and bathe.

Crimson finches (white-bellied subspecies) feed mostly on the seeds of native and introduced grasses and herbaceous plants. Small invertebrates such as spiders and termite alates (winged termites) are also consumed during the breeding season.

Threatening processes

The major threats to the crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies) are inappropriate fire and grazing regimes. Changes to fire regimes, such as fires late in the dry season, can potentially damage cane grass habitat which provides shelter for this subspecies. As the subspecies requires seeds all year round, cattle grazing, particularly around wetlands, alters the habitat and reduces food availability for the crimson finch (white-bellied subspecies). Minor threats are: feral pigs, whose movement and rooting can alter habitats; and the invasion of rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora), which shades out and displaces grasses used by the finches.

Recovery actions

Further information

Dorricott, KE & Garnett, ST 2006. Draft national recovery plan for the white-bellied subspecies of the crimson finch Neochmia phaeton evangelinae and the Cape York Peninsula subspecies of the star finch Neochmia ruficauda clarescens. Report to Department of the Environment and Water Resources, Canberra. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane.

Garnett. ST and Crowley. GM (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000 - Recovery Outline Crimson finch (white bellied). Environment Australia.

Last updated 12 August 2011

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