Diamond Firetail

The Diamond Firetail, Stagonopleura guttata, stands as one of the more robust finches native to Australia, boasting a weight between 15 to 19 grams and a wingspan stretching from 64 to 71 millimeters. Its plumage is a tapestry of striking contrasts: a grey head and olive back, a white belly and throat bisected by a bold black band, and flanks adorned with black and white spots. The name 'firetail' is derived from its vivid scarlet rump, complemented by a black tail. Juveniles present a more subdued appearance and possess a black bill, maturing into the vibrant adult coloration with time.

Identification Tips

In the field, the Diamond Firetail can be recognized by its distinctive black breast-band set against a white breast, and the spotted black flanks. The scarlet rump is particularly noticeable in flight, a feature that is often a giveaway of its identity. These birds are typically observed in pairs or small groups, and their flight pattern is characterized by low, direct lines.

Habitat

The Diamond Firetail favors open grassy eucalypt forests and woodlands, as well as heath, mallee country, farmland, and grasslands dotted with trees. Its preferred habitats are under threat from various anthropogenic factors, including over-grazing, weed invasion, and salinisation, which in turn affect the availability of its main food sources and increase competition and predation risks.

Distribution

Endemic to Australia, the Diamond Firetail has a patchy distribution, found from Southeast Queensland to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Historical records suggest a broader range, with sightings as far north as the Kirrama Tableland in North Queensland.

Behaviour

Diamond firetails are primarily ground feeders, favoring grass seeds in various stages of ripeness. They exhibit a hopping behavior while foraging but will retreat to the safety of trees when disturbed.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Diamond Firetail include a penetrating "twoo-hee" or "pain" call. Their contact call is reminiscent of a mournful whistle, often compared to the descending call of the black-eared cuckoo, typically with an ascending first syllable followed by a descending second. They tend to be silent when in flight.

Breeding

Both partners share the responsibility of incubation and caring for the young. Nests are artfully constructed with green grass, leaves, and stems, and lined with feathers and fine grasses. These nests are often strategically placed in dense foliage or high in trees, sometimes within the nests of other birds, including birds of prey, to provide additional protection.

Similar Species

While the Diamond Firetail is unique in its appearance, it may be confused with other finches that share similar habitats. However, its size, distinctive coloration, and spotted flanks generally distinguish it from its relatives.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Diamond Firetail consists mainly of grass seeds, but they are also known to consume insects and larvae. Their feeding habits are adaptable, and they can be seen hopping on the ground in search of food.

Conservation status

The Diamond Firetail is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is also listed as Vulnerable under various Australian state and national legislations, reflecting the concerns for its continued survival in the wild.