Double-Barred Finch
Taeniopygia bichenovii
About This Species
A small, sociable finch of open woodland, grassland edges, and parks across northern and eastern Australia, usually found in flocks feeding on grass seed at or near ground level. It is readily identified by the black band across its white chest and the fine black-and-white barring on its flanks. Flocks are active and easiest to watch in the cooler parts of the day, particularly around dawn when they feed most intensively.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- A quiet, gradual approach allows reasonably close views before a flock moves off, since these finches tolerate a stationary observer better than a moving one.
- Native wildlife is protected under Australian state and territory law, with specific rules on disturbance and habitat varying by jurisdiction, so it is worth checking local regulations if visiting a reserve or protected area.
- Watching from a fixed spot near a feeding flock, without approaching further, is the least disruptive way to observe them.
LCAvesPasseriformesEstrildidae
Seasonal Activity
187,475 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
Photo
Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons
CC-BY-SA-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.