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
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.
ReplyDeleteVery good post.
ReplyDeleteNice bird!
Regards,
Very pretty little birds! They remind me of some of the birds you see in pet shops. I love catching feeding activity! Nice photos!
ReplyDeleteLovely little birds!
ReplyDeleteHello, the finches are cute. I like the markings around the faces. Great photos! Thanks for hosting, have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThat 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.
ReplyDeleteHello 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.
ReplyDeletea 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 :)
ReplyDeletepretty fellas
ReplyDeletesadly, in 'another life' years ago, i owned a pair of these as cage birds.
ReplyDeleteSuch pretty feathers.
ReplyDeleteI can see why thry were once called owl finches. Such interesting birds.
ReplyDeleteA gorgeous litle bird Stewart. Thanks dor hosting.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteUnusual and impressive Shot, great !
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Germany
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
ReplyDeleteYou captured some amazing images of those beautifully cute little birds. Such a joy to see the young ones being fed.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day :)
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.
ReplyDeletePretty little finch and some great photos of it. Well done Diane
ReplyDeleteI love finches of any type..Wonderful coloring on these..Super ground shots of the group!! No birds this week !!
ReplyDeleteInteresting group shots! Love how their feathers are unfurled... Beautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteHiya Stewart... wow, look at your guy.... I think I may have a finch today too....
ReplyDeleteit'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.
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 ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
This wild bird is running a day late!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful little birds they are...one can't help but smile when looking at them. :)
Beautiful bird and markings. Reminds me of a Killdeer that we have here.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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!
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of the little beggers asking for more food! Kids...always the same.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful little finches! We don't have that variety.
ReplyDelete10 centimeters of gorgeousness, I say.
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful photographs of these little guys.
Well done, Stewart!
Have a Happy Time!!
Peace :)
Great captures. Stewart! You got around the grass nicely. I'd love to see the little beauties.
ReplyDeleteThese little guys are just lovely. Thanks for showing me a new bird.
ReplyDeleteYour photos turned out wonderfully! And they are really beautiful birds!
ReplyDelete