Threat LevelLeast Concern
(Neochmia ruficauda)
This century had marked a serious decline in the Star Finch population. The causes are probably disturbance to its habitat – rank streamside grass and reeds in scattered eucalypt woodlands – as well as trapping.
Habitat
The Star Finch range once extended right across northern Australia to New South Wales. Today the bird has withdrawn almost completely to pockets in the northwest, from Arnhem Land to the Pilbara.
Diet
Star Finches flock to feed, drink and roost, in small groups of up to 20, sometimes larger. Apart from the occasional insects taken on the wing during breeding, they feed mainly on ripe and green seeds from heads of tall grasses. The birds rove agilely among the stems, clinging and holding down a flower spike to pick out seeds. Only when the grasses dry off do they forage on the ground.
Breeding
The Star Finch breeds between December and August, but mainly March – April. They build a rounded dome nest, with no entrance tunnel, of coarse grass or dried grass lined with wool and feathers. Both sexes choose a nest site with an elaborate ceremony of bowing deeply with tails twisted in grass tussocks or in small bushes about 6m up. Both sexes also incubate the 3-6 eggs for 12-14 days.
Adopt An Animal Benefits
By sponsoring one of our animals or conservation projects at Australia Zoo, not only do you have the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference - you will also receive gifts of appreciation according to the level at which you sponsor! Wooo-hoo!
$50 Donation
- Official Australia Zoo certificate of appreciation
- Fact sheet of your adopted animal species
- Photo of your adopted animal
- Exclusive Australia Zoo online membership
- PLUS an Autographed Irwin family photo print
Class Mascot Pack - $50 (available to school/community groups)
Note: This pack will be provided to all school/community groups purchasing an adoption. If you would prefer the above pack, please email adopt@australiazoo.com.au or enter the Promo Code 'mascot'
- Official Australia Zoo certificate of appreciation to your class
- Fact sheet of adopted animal species
- Photo of your adopted animal mascot
- Exclusive Australia Zoo online membership
- PLUS One copy of our Crikey! Magazine
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$100 Donation
- Our regular $50 adoption pack PLUS
- Australia Zoo baseball cap (may be different to example in photograph)
$1000 Donation
- $100 adoption pack PLUS
- Official Australia Zoo Plaque recognizing your adoption
- Terri Irwin khaki shirt
- Photo of Terri Irwin wearing the shirt, autographed by Terri Irwin
$1500 Donation
- $100 adoption pack PLUS
- Official Australia Zoo Plaque recognizing your adoption
- Terri Irwin khaki shirt
- Photo of Terri Irwin wearing the shirt, autographed by Terri and Bindi Irwin
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Our Amazing Star Finch(s) are currently on display
