Black-throated Finch

1. Black throat patch and upper breast

2. Grey head with a short black stripe from bill to eye

3. Small, rounded body with a short, black tail (unlike the longer, pointed tail of the Masked Finch)

Black-throated Finches build dome-shaped grass nests with a side entrance, usually in the outer branches of trees or shrubs, sometimes in tree hollows, mistletoe, or at the base of raptor nests. The main breeding season is from October to April, depending on rainfall and location. Both parents share nest building, incubation, and feeding of the young. Their diet consists mainly of grass seeds, but they also eat insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season. They often forage on the ground and may bend grass stems to reach seeds

Look for Black-throated Finches in open grassy woodlands with eucalypts, melaleucas, or acacias, usually near water sources. They are often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground for seeds, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. These birds may perch together on dead branches, making them easier to spot. Their call is a loud, slightly harsh whistle, sometimes described as "tweer," with softer notes

The Black-throated Finch has lost up to 80% of its historical range since the 1960s and is now rarely found south of central Queensland. The southern subspecies is particularly at risk. Major threats include habitat loss from land clearing, altered fire regimes, and predation by feral animals. The species is listed as endangered under Australian law