Bird
Double-barred Finch
Taeniopygia bichenoviiAlso known as Bicheno's Finch, Owl Finch, Bicheno Finch, Owl-faced Finch
Double-barred finches are easily recognized by their distinct white face disc outlined in black, giving them a striking owl-like appearance. These gregarious grassfinches travel in small, active flocks through open woodlands and grasslands, constantly communicating with soft, kitten-like contact calls. Both parents share nest-building duties, weaving intricate grass domes lined with feathers to raise their young.
SocialGranivoreAustralian Native
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyGrass seeds, Herbaceous seeds, Termite alates
Predators
- Sparrowhawks
- Feral cats
- Snakes
ThreatsOvergrazing by cattle and altered fire regimes
HabitatsDry savannah, tropical dry grassland, open woodland, and shrubland
Life span5–8 years
Classification
- FamilyEstrildidae
- SpeciesTaeniopygia bichenovii
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Patience at Waterholes: Visit open water sources early in the morning when flocks arrive to drink.
- Listen for Soft Calls: Watch for low-flying groups uttering low, nasal contact chirps through dry grass.
- Maintain Distance: Use binoculars to watch their social preening without causing flock displacement.
Savannah Neighbor (c) Graham Winterflood, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Frequent Companion Martybugs (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Habitat Partner JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Andrew Allen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Allen · cc-by
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