Masked finch
Page Module:Message box/ambox.css has no content.
This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (May 2026) |
| Script error: No such module "Automated taxobox". | |
|---|---|
| Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:InfoboxImage/data' not found. | |
| Gregory River, Queensland, Australia | |
Script error: No such module "Conservation status".
| |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Script error: No such module "Taxobox ranks".: | <div style="display:inline" class="script error: no such module "taxobox ranks".">Template:Taxon infoTemplate:Taxon italics |
| Binomial name | |
| Template:Taxon infoTemplate:Taxon italics Gould, 1842
| |
| Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:InfoboxImage/data' not found. | |
| Distribution A = race peronata B = race leucotis | |
| Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:InfoboxImage/data' not found. | |
Page Template:Taxobox/core/styles.css has no content.Template:Taxonbar/candidateTemplate:Speciesbox/parameterCheckScript error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".
The masked finch (Poephila personata) is a small passerine bird in the estrildid finch family, Estrildidae. It is a common resident of dry savannah across northern Australia, from the Kimberley, across the Top End, the Gulf country and the southern part of Cape York Peninsula, as far east as Chillagoe, but always near water.
Description
The masked finch is 12.5–13.5 cm long. The male is larger, but the sexes are otherwise similar. It is cinnamon-brown above and paler below with a white rump, black mark on the flanks and black face mask. It has a heavy yellow bill and a pointed black tail. The eastern subspecies P. p. leucotis has whitish cheeks.
Behaviour
Pairs or small flocks of masked finches forage through the day, mostly on the ground for grass seeds. In the evenings and early mornings, large numbers—sometimes thousands— can gather around waterholes to drink, cleanse, and preen, flicking their tails sideways and chattering incessantly.
Pairs build a domed nest from grasses, lined with fine grass, feathers, and charcoal, in the late wet or early dry season. The nest position varies: it can be as high as 20 metres or simply hidden in long grass. Five to six white eggs are laid.
References
Page Template:Reflist/styles.css has no content.
- BirdLife International (2008) Species factsheet: Poephila personata. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 5 August 2008.[dead link]
- Clement, Peter; Harris, Alan & Davies, John (1993) Finches and Sparrows: An Identification Guide, Christopher Helm, London.
- Pizzey, Graham & Knight, Frank (1997) Birds of Australia, HarperCollins, London.
Script error: No such module "Taxonbar".
