Crimson Finch

1. Long, red tail that stands out among Australian finches

2. Males with intense crimson plumage and either a black or white belly, depending on the subspecies

3. Grey crown contrasting with the red face and body

Crimson Finches are primarily seed eaters, feeding on grass seeds, but they also consume insects and occasionally flower buds`.`They breed throughout much of the year, with peak activity from January to May. Nests are bulky and bottle-shaped, often built in dense vegetation or pandanus palms`.`Both parents share incubation and care of the young. Clutch sizes are relatively large, likely as an adaptation to high predation rates`.` The species is known for its aggressive behaviour, especially among males, which has led to nicknames like "blood finch" and "killer finch.

Crimson Finches are found in northern Australia, including the Kimberley region, the Top End of the Northern Territory, Gulf Country, and the east coast of Far North Queensland. They inhabit areas with tall, dense grasses near water, such as wetlands and river edges, often where pandanus palms are present. These birds are typically seen in small, noisy flocks, especially active during early morning and late afternoon