A red-eared firetail finch came to visit
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (348960)
Rockingham, Australia
March 20, 2025 10:08pm CST
Vince was able to get a photo of a red-eared firetail finch (Stagonopleura oculataince) that came to the birdbath at our house-sit. This one decided to drink at the bowl underneath the birdbath.
These tiny birds are only found in the south-west corner of Western Australia although there are other species of firetail finches in other regions.
They appear at first to be a drab brown. When it flies, its bright red rump becomes obvious. The beak is red as are the legs and spot near the ear. The belly is spotted black-and-white so overall they’re a pretty little bird. It’s about 12 cm in length so very small. I wonder what other surprises we're in for.
22 people like this
22 responses
@JudyEv (348960)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Mar
@MarieCoyle That's interesting. Some finches are more prevalent than others. We saw zebra finches in the wild and that was pretty special.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (41951)
•
23 Mar
@JudyEv
I used to raise small birds, rare finches, cockatiels, parrots, etc. This sort of reminds me of what we call a Strawberry Finch, very alike in coloring, only here they are caged, not wild.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (89416)
• Bangalore, India
21 Mar
Wow! It's lovely! What beautiful patterns on her. Seems like Nature has done some zentangle art on her. Looking at her, I want to draw her and those patterns. It's so appealing. Thank you for sharing.
5 people like this
@GardenGerty (162761)
• United States
22 Mar
We get lots of various finches here, but none quite so pretty. I have heard the finches and the wrens chattering at things outside. I am seeing a lot of American Robins in my yard.
3 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (93057)
• United States
22 Mar
Oh Judy the bird is astounding..Ive never seen one!
3 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (113478)
• Marion, Ohio
23 Mar
@JudyEv We do have bright yellow finches here. They will show up later.
1 person likes this
@Fleura (31366)
• United Kingdom
21 Mar
That is a striking little bird.
I need to get our camera out. We treated ourselves to a 'proper' camera a few years ago but have hardly used it (too big to bother taking places generally) and when we did get it out last summer we found we couldn't get it to take any photos in focus!
3 people like this
@JudyEv (348960)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Mar
@Dreamerby Birds often sit on the bird bath for a while which makes it easier to get photos.
3 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (107939)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
21 Mar
Nice looking red-eared firetail finch in this post.
3 people like this
@sw8sincere (5525)
• Philippines
21 Mar
What a beautiful find! Red-eared firetail finches are such a treat to spot, especially with their vibrant red rump and beak. It must've been a lovely surprise to have one visit your birdbath. Excited to see what other unique birds might show up next!
3 people like this
@JudyEv (348960)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Mar
@sw8sincere The female is not so striking.
1 person likes this
@sw8sincere (5525)
• Philippines
23 Mar
@JudyEv It's cool you got a picture of a male – makes me want to go birdwatching!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (186880)
• United States
21 Mar
That's a neat looking bird. I have one flying around here. I hope it doesn't have designs on making a nest under the eaves. If so, I'm gonna have to nip that in the bud!
3 people like this
@JudyEv (348960)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Mar
@Dreamerby They have a lot of 'decoration' for a little bird.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (83300)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Mar
That is a beautiful bird, I have never seen one like that, I love watching birds and especially ducks,
3 people like this
@Dreamerby (7326)
• Calcutta, India
22 Mar
Wow pictures like this take patience and effort!2 people like this
@Dreamerby (7326)
• Calcutta, India
23 Mar
@JudyEv ohh lol. That makes things a tad bit easier
2 people like this
