Australian Birds. Double-barred Finch in the wild. Drinking and Preening. Australian Bird Media.

The Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii ) is a widespread finch that is found in the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria (the western race annulosa), and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria (the eastern race, bichenovii).There are two sub species. They are found in dry scrubland, woodland and grasslands but never far from water. I have also seen them on the edge of wet forest and even Rainforest. This video was made in areas of Queensland including the Sunshine Coast, and the Gulf country, near Lawn Hill national park. They can be found, feeding, drinking and preening in small family groups. Description from Birdlife Australia. The Double-barred Finch is one of the long-tailed grass-finches and is notable for its 'owl-faced' features, having a white face bordered black. It is grey-brown, with white underparts banded black above and below the chest, giving the species its name. The wings are black, spotted white, the tail is black and the bill and legs are blueish-grey. Juveniles are dulller, with indistinct chest bars. I began birdwatching when I was 12 and progressed to bird photography and then to bird Video for the past 15 years. Originally from the UK, I find birding in Australia exciting and engaging. I have now travelled around Australia twice but mainly film birds in Queensland. Many of the bird clips are taken from hides or blinds that I construct from bush materials, saving the need to carry a hide to a location. Knowing bird calls and song is a big part of finding each species and naturally, knowing the habitat requirements helps also.