Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Wild Bird Wednesday 214 - Double-barred Finch

During my trip around Darwin I hoped that I would be able to see photograph a number of species of finch.  Mt trip was timed to coincide with the end of the dry season, when the temperatures are a little cooler and the grass seed abundant - with the grass seed being the most important to the finches.

I soon managed to find some Double-barred Finches, Taeniopygia bichenovii, feeding in some bushes and grass.  In the past this bird was also know as the Bicheno's Finch and the Owl Faced Finch.

Like all small birds that feed in tall grass, the curse of grass blades over the eyes of the bird, or missed focus was well to the fore as I tried to get some pictures.  I did manage to get some images of what I take to be a family of (relatively?) newly fledged birds begging for food from an adult.  At first I assumed it was just a huge fight - but closer inspection showed otherwise.

These are rather small birds - about 10cm long - and like most finches they are very active.










These images (especially) the group shots are best viewed by clicking on them to see a larger version.

Now, click on the blue button to join in.  cheers  SM
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32 comments:

  1. Kenneth Cole Schneider31 August 2016 at 03:05

    Their plumage is very striking! As I often do, I scanned your photos before going to the text. I thought I was seeing a major battle as was your initial impression. Thanks for hosting us and hope you have had a good trip.

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  2. Modesto Viegas31 August 2016 at 03:07

    Very good post.
    Nice bird!
    Regards,

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  3. Brian King31 August 2016 at 03:25

    Very pretty little birds! They remind me of some of the birds you see in pet shops. I love catching feeding activity! Nice photos!

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  4. Unknown31 August 2016 at 03:26

    Lovely little birds!

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  5. eileeninmd31 August 2016 at 04:01

    Hello, the finches are cute. I like the markings around the faces. Great photos! Thanks for hosting, have a great week!

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  6. Phil Slade31 August 2016 at 04:53

    That species is so unusual Stewart. It brings home to me how unique and unexpected many of your Australasian species are in comparison to the Old World ones.

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  7. Breathtaking31 August 2016 at 05:48

    Hello Stewart!:) Wonderful captures,...and I can appreciate how difficult it was to photograph them in tall grass. What beautiful plumage these little finches have, they are sooo pretty. Thank you for hosting, and sharing these super Australian birds.

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  8. NatureFootstep31 August 2016 at 06:03

    a wonderful set of images of a lovely finch. I was lucky enough to see 2 of them during my visit to Queensland :) Your images are spectacular :)

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  9. Author R. Mac Wheeler31 August 2016 at 06:53

    pretty fellas

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  10. TexWisGirl31 August 2016 at 08:47

    sadly, in 'another life' years ago, i owned a pair of these as cage birds.

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  11. Lady Fi31 August 2016 at 13:20

    Such pretty feathers.

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  12. Beth31 August 2016 at 14:00

    I can see why thry were once called owl finches. Such interesting birds.

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  13. Margaret Birding For Pleasure31 August 2016 at 16:11

    A gorgeous litle bird Stewart. Thanks dor hosting.

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  14. mick31 August 2016 at 17:04

    Great photos of lovely little birds. The photos with the young ones are very special. I think one of the cutest things about them is their call. We occasionally see them down my way.

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  15. Jutta.K.31 August 2016 at 17:14

    Unusual and impressive Shot, great !
    Greetings from Germany

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  16. Jo31 August 2016 at 18:38

    Oh wow, Stewart, what a beautifully marked bird. I love the photos of the younger birds begging for food. Thanks for sharing these pretty birds and for hosting this meme. Have a great day. Jo

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  17. Prunella Pepperpot31 August 2016 at 18:57

    You captured some amazing images of those beautifully cute little birds. Such a joy to see the young ones being fed.
    Have a wonderful day :)

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  18. Anonymous1 September 2016 at 00:45

    These are amazing captures! I am quite impressed with your ability to focus despite the grass. Grass and tree branches are certainly my nemeses when it comes to bird photography.

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  19. Rhodesia1 September 2016 at 01:31

    Pretty little finch and some great photos of it. Well done Diane

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  20. This N That1 September 2016 at 01:33

    I love finches of any type..Wonderful coloring on these..Super ground shots of the group!! No birds this week !!

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  21. TheChieftess1 September 2016 at 04:50

    Interesting group shots! Love how their feathers are unfurled... Beautiful birds!

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  22. BumbleVee1 September 2016 at 05:46

    Hiya Stewart... wow, look at your guy.... I think I may have a finch today too....

    it's been so darn long since I posted anything or played along with you that it took me forever to get it done, but get it I finally did!! I have a little success story over at my blog... and a cute little bird that I'm not totally sure of...but, glad to have it to show everybody.

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  23. Andrea @ From The Sol1 September 2016 at 06:22

    Stripes and polka dots. How cute ... a feisty little bunch of siblings and poor Mom and Dad :) These are wonderful pictures in spite of the issues of grass and focus. The finch are such tiny little birds that it is lucky to be able to get close enough to get any clear shots. Nicely done, Stewart ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  24. Lee1 September 2016 at 11:55

    This wild bird is running a day late!

    What beautiful little birds they are...one can't help but smile when looking at them. :)

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  25. CountryCityCindy1 September 2016 at 12:01

    Beautiful bird and markings. Reminds me of a Killdeer that we have here.

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  26. DeniseinVA1 September 2016 at 12:23

    Great photos of these Double-barred Finches Stewart, this kind of finch I have never seen or heard of. One of the joys of blogging is finding out about all kinds of different birds. Thank you!

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  27. Dave1 September 2016 at 12:32

    Wonderful shots of the little beggers asking for more food! Kids...always the same.

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  28. Linda1 September 2016 at 12:43

    Beautiful little finches! We don't have that variety.

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  29. GreenComotion1 September 2016 at 14:08

    10 centimeters of gorgeousness, I say.
    Really beautiful photographs of these little guys.
    Well done, Stewart!
    Have a Happy Time!!
    Peace :)

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  30. Connie Smiley2 September 2016 at 10:33

    Great captures. Stewart! You got around the grass nicely. I'd love to see the little beauties.

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  31. Florida Farm Girl2 September 2016 at 11:37

    These little guys are just lovely. Thanks for showing me a new bird.

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  32. A Colorful World3 September 2016 at 03:10

    Your photos turned out wonderfully! And they are really beautiful birds!

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