bird name:
Sydney Wax Peak
Latin name:
temporary neochemy
Condition:
least concern
Scientific classification:
Animal Kingdom
Edge: Chordata
Class: Birds
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Estrildidae
Gender: neochmia
Species: N. temporalis
General information:
The Sydney Waxbill, also known as the Red-browed Finch and Red-browed Firetail, is a small bird found along the eastern coast of Australia. It is known to be relatively social, staying in flocks throughout the year. Some groups even nest close to each other.
Physical description:
It is usually about 4 inches long and weighs about 11 g. It is characterized by red on its eyebrows, rump and beak. Their upperparts are olive green and their underparts are gray. The male and female are similar in appearance.
Diet:
The Sydney Waxbill feeds on the ground, although it will sometimes perch on seeding grass heads. Their diet includes seeds, from grasses and other plants, and insects.
Habitat:
It commonly occurs in temperate forests and dry savannahs, and can also be seen in dry forests and mangrove areas of the tropical region. It has also adapted to suburban habitats. The Sydney Waxbill is primarily distributed between Cape York in Queensland and the Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia. However, feral populations have also become established in Western Australia. Their nests are built of twigs and grass stems, usually nestled in dense bush about 1 to 2 meters above the ground. Males and females share the responsibility of building the nest.
Reproduction:
The Sydney Waxbill’s breeding season occurs from October to April. The female usually lays 4 to 6 white eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 14 days. Both parents take responsibility for incubating and feeding the young once they hatch. Fledging occurs approximately 22 days after hatching.