Star finch (eastern subspecies)
Common name: Star finch (eastern subspecies)
Scientific name: Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda
Conservation status: Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda is classified as 'Endangered' in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992) as well as nationally (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).
Description: The star finch has a red face to its chin, with dark olive above and yellow-olive below. Its chest, rump, flanks and tail are coarsely spotted with white. In this subspecies both the male and female are alike. Its body length can range from 10-12cm. Its call is a penetrating 'sseet'. Juveniles are paler with a black bill.
Habitat and distribution: The star finch inhabits tall grass and reed beds associated with swamps and watercourses. It may also be found in grassy woodlands, open forests and mangroves. The condition of this habitat varies according to season, grazing pressure and fire. It is partly conserved in conservation reserves but is threatened elsewhere.
There have been four definite and six unconfirmed records since 1990, scattered across central Queensland with no two records from the one place. The largest group was 15-20 birds in Aramac in 1994. The three most recent sightings have been in cleared or urban settings that have very few remnant trees.
Behaviour and life history: Star finches are generally encountered in pairs or small flocks. Of all the Australian finches the star finch has incurred the greatest contraction of range since European settlement. They are very apt at feeding amongst tall grasses but will descend to the ground to take fallen seeds. They eat seeds of grasses and invertebrates such as termites and other small insects.
The finches build domed nests in patches of rank grass, reeds or low in trees, usually near water. They nest once, sometimes twice each year, laying four to six eggs.
Threatening processes: The southern subspecies of star finch disappeared from much of its range before the process of its decline could be described. However, the riparian habitat it occupied would have been highly vulnerable to over-grazing and trampling, particularly during drought. Remaining subpopulations presumably persist in fragments of suitable habitat that have chanced to escape damage at critical times. Despite recent sightings and the finch's largely sedentary behaviour , permanently occupied habitat has not been found. If birds are rediscovered, they may be threatened by trapping for aviculture. Large numbers were trapped in the past, although the subspecies is unlikely to have persisted in captivity. Invasion of habitat by weeds and the presence of cyanide in mining tailings dams may also be local threats.
Recovery actions:
- Rapid follow up of chance sightings in an attempt to locate permanent habitat.
- When habitat has been located, work with the landowner to maintain its conservation values.
Further information:
Stephen T. Garnett S.T and Crowley G.M. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds (PDF)*. Environment Australia, Canberra.
* Requires Acrobat Reader
Last updated: 31 August 2006