Long-tailed Finch
Poephila acuticauda
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Long-tailed Finch is a small, elegant bird with a distinctive long, pointed tail. Its body is predominantly pale pinkish grey-brown, with a white rump and underparts. The face features a striking black 'bib' extending from the beak to the chest.
Both sexes look mostly similar, with either a yellow or orange beak, orange legs, and a black tail. Females may sometimes be duller overall with smaller bibs, and have shorter wings and tails.
Juveniles have duller plumage and lack the black bib, which develops as they mature. The varying bill colour distinguishes the subspecies, with the western group having yellow beaks and the eastern having red.
Size
Length
15cm to 17cm
Wingspan
18cm to 20cm
Weight
12g to 17g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey White
Secondary Colour
Black Brown
Beak Colour
Yellow Orange
Leg Colour
Orange
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Long-tailed Finches are native to northern Australia, inhabiting tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannahs, and open woodlands. They are particularly common in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
These finches prefer areas with a mix of grasses and scattered trees, often near water sources. Their distribution remains relatively stable throughout the year, with no significant seasonal movements.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Long-tailed Finch. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Long-tailed Finch demonstrates impressive agility through its distinctive bouncing flight pattern and precise seed-picking movements. Their ability to manoeuvre effectively whilst foraging and their quick, nimble ground-hopping behaviour reflects strong aerial and terrestrial agility.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small finch weighing only 12-17g, their strength is relatively modest. While they can effectively husk seeds with their specialised beak and maintain sustained flight, their physical power is proportionate to their diminutive size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These finches show remarkable adaptability, surviving without drinking water for extended periods and thriving across various habitats up to 1000m elevation. Their ability to form mixed flocks and adjust their diet seasonally demonstrates strong adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Long-tailed Finches are notably social and peaceful birds, typically living harmoniously in small flocks. Their cooperative breeding behaviour and tendency to nest in loose colonies suggests a generally non-aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their capacity for sustained flight, ability to survive in harsh Australian conditions, and active foraging behaviour indicates solid endurance. Their capability to thrive in tropical and subtropical environments whilst maintaining regular activity demonstrates good stamina.
Diet
Long-tailed Finches primarily feed on grass seeds, particularly from sorghum and spinifex grasses.
They forage on the ground or directly from seed heads, occasionally supplementing their diet with small insects, especially during the breeding season when protein demands are higher.
Behaviour
Long-tailed Finches are highly social, often seen in small flocks of 10-20 birds. They have a distinctive bouncing flight pattern, alternating between rapid wing beats and brief glides.
When foraging, they hop along the ground, picking seeds with quick, precise movements.
Vocalisation
The Long-tailed Finch has a variety of soft, musical calls. Their most common vocalisation is a gentle, trilling 'seeee-seeee' or 'tswee-tswee'.
During courtship, males produce a more elaborate song, a series of rapid, high-pitched notes often accompanied by a bouncing dance.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs primarily during the wet season, from December to March. Long-tailed Finches form monogamous pairs and often nest in loose colonies. They construct large, dome-shaped nests using grass stems and seed heads.
Nests are typically built in low shrubs or trees, 1-3 meters above the ground. The female lays 4-6 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 13-14 days.
Both parents feed nestlings and fledge after approximately 21 days. Young birds may remain with their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While currently listed as Least Concern, Long-tailed Finches face localised threats from habitat loss due to overgrazing and changes in fire regimes.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable grassland habitats and controlling invasive plant species that may impact their food sources.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them near water sources in grasslands and savannahs
- Listen for their soft, trilling calls to locate flocks
- Observe their distinctive long tails and bouncing flight pattern
- In Australia, visit northern regions like the Kimberley or Top End for the best chances of spotting them
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include snakes, birds of prey such as kestrels and goshawks, and introduced mammals like feral cats.
Did You Know?
- Long-tailed Finches can survive without drinking water for extended periods by obtaining moisture from their food.
- They have specialised beaks adapted for husking grass seeds efficiently.
- These finches sometimes form mixed flocks with other finch species, particularly during the dry season.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Poephila acuticauda. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22719688A253992559.
View source - 2
report, 1999: Clement
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