Masked Finch
Poephila personata
EndemicStatus
Fairly CommonRarity
Bird Gallery
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Species Description
The Masked Finch (*Poephila personata*) is a small, robust finch native to northern Australia, easily recognised by its striking black facial mask and bright yellow bill. It has a compact, thickset build and a powerful bill, giving it a distinctive, no-nonsense appearance. Its crisp brown, black, and white plumage adds elegance to the tropical woodlands and grasslands it inhabits.
Fun Facts
The Masked Finch’s hefty yellow bill is specialized for cracking tough grass seedslike having a built-in tool.
1. Distinctive black facial mask and oversized yellow bill
2. Clean white rump patch contrasting with the black tail in flight
3. Bold black flank patch; eastern birds have a pale cheek patch
Masked Finches are found across northern Australia, from the Kimberley region through the Top End to western Queensland and Cape York Peninsula. They inhabit open grassy woodlands, savannas, and grasslands, especially those with eucalypts or paperbarks and a dense grassy understory`.` They are always near water sourceswaterholes, springs, and creek bedsand are frequent visitors throughout the day, particularly in the morning and late afternoon`.`During dry periods, they often gather at artificial water sources like cattle troughs and homesteads. They feed on the ground in small flocks, often at the edges of woodlands or in open grassy plains
Physical Attributes
Height
13 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds12%
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