Plum-headed Finch

1. Males have a maroon patch on the head and a small bib; females have a smaller cap and a white eyebrow.

2. Fine brown and white barring across the breast and flanks.

3. White spots on wings and rump form broken bars, visible in flight and at rest.

These finches feed mainly on grass seeds, foraging on the ground or directly from seed heads. They are social and often seen in small flocks. Breeding occurs mainly from September to January in the south and August to March in the north. Nests are small, dome-shaped structures built from fine grass, usually low in vegetation. Both parents incubate 3–6 eggs for about 12–13 days. Nestlings have blue gape flanges that help parents feed them in low light. After fledging, young birds remain with their parents for several weeks.

Plum-headed Finches are found from central Queensland to central New South Wales, mainly west of the Great Dividing Range. They prefer tall, dense grasses near water sources such as swamps, dams, and creeks. They are most active at dawn and dusk, feeding on grass seeds on the ground or perched on stems. During the breeding season, they build nests low in dense grass or shrubs.

The scientific name, Aidemosyne modesta, refers to the bird’s modest appearance compared to more colorful Australian finches. The species is well adapted to grassland and open woodland habitats and can sometimes be found in agricultural areas.