Single male Crimson finch perched and foraging on grass seed-heads at the Cattana Wetlands in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
The crimson finch is a relatively small-sized bird. It is about 13 cm in length and weighs just 13g ( oz). Standout features include a bright crimson color, long tail, and white specks that run across the sides of its body. There are also shades of grey around the neck area. This species is sexually dimorphic as the females are slightly paler in color. However, the same plumage is observed for both sexes. A difference between males and females is that males have longer tails and bills.[3] In addition, they are larger and heavier.[4] Three weeks after fledging, crimson finches moult into adult plumage. The moult is only partial as juvenile greater primary coverts are preserved. The crimson finch belongs to the family Estrildidae. Two subspecies are recognised: the black-bellied crimson finch (Neochmia p. phaeton) and its white-bellied counterpart (Neochmia p. evangelinae). Related species include the star finch (Neochmia ruficauda) and masked finch. It also bears resemblance to birds of the genus Lagonosticta (firefinches), to which it is closely related. Common physical characteristics between crimson finches and firefinches include a red head and bright crimson coat.
Size: 6545px × 4363px
Location: Cattana Wetlands, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Photo credit: © Photography By Marco / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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