White Bellied subspecies (Neochmia phaeton evangelinae) - listed as Vulnerable Nationally and Endangered in Queensland
Sleek long finch with large head black/grey on top. Long red tail. Adult male bright crimson/red. With black belly, white spots along sides. Female is red faced and patches of red on wings. Shades of brown on back and chest. Red bill on male and female.
White Bellied Subspecies has white belly instead of black.
Same size as Star and Masked Finch.
Common in Kimberley across to northern parts of Northern Territory and Gulf Country. East coast of Far North Queensland, south of Cape York.
Mixed Eucalyptus woodlands, with understorey of pandanus and tall grass. Always near water, wetlands, river courses.
Resident, sedentary with some local movements.
Omnivorous, mainly seeds of grasses. Insects and larvae. Occasionally flower buds and nectar.
All months except August, mainly January - May. Builds bulky bottle shaped nest, sometimes with large platform at entrance. Usually in pandanus, and sometimes in tall grass, low shrubs and trees. Both sexes incubate.
Previously lived where permanent water and food was available, now around homesteads, towns and bores, where water and food is available.
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