Scientific Name: Neochmia temporalis

A distinctive little bird with bright red eyebrow markings and a similarly coloured stout beak. The rest of the body is mostly grey-green with another red patch on the rump and a yellowish-green patch on the shoulders. Adults reach about 12cm in length.

Did You Know? The red-browed finch often builds itself a roosting nest to sleep in at night.

Habitat: Large flocks of these finches are often disturbed feeding on seeding grasses, rising up and flying for cover in a frantic whirring of wings, only to return in unison once the threat has passed. They inhabit a range of habitats down the eastern seaboard of Australia including open forest, grasslands, heath and parks and gardens.

Diet: The seed of grasses and other small herbaceous plants make up almost the entire diet, although it may be seasonally supplemented with berries and insects. The latter are especially important during the breeding season.

Reproduction: Red-brows are quite social birds and will remain in small flocks throughout the year. Some groups will even nest in close proximity to each other. The nest is a ball of interwoven grasses with a tiny entry hole in one side. Four to six pure white eggs are laid and incubated by both parents.