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ShrublandDomed nestTiny · 13 g
ID tip
The red-eared firetail is a small grass-finch with black-barred and white-spotted plumage, distinguished by its scarlet bill, black mask, and bright crimson red patch behind the eye and at the rump. The plumage of the upper parts is olive-brown and the breast is buff-brown, both of which are thinly barred black. White spots appear on the blackish underparts. The female closely resembles the male, except when his colouring intensifies during the breeding season. Voice: Around five separate communication calls of the red-eared firetail had been reported by the late twentieth century. These have been classified in several ways from reports in the field or aviary. Adult vocalisation is distinguished as an identity call, intimate nest-calls, a nest-site call, and a contact or communication call (Pepper, Immelmann) only reported in captives.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Red-eared Firetail
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is September, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Red-eared Firetail
The map shades 1 country with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Red-eared Firetail
The red-eared firetail, also known as the boorin, is a small finch-like species of bird. It occurs in dense wetland vegetation of coastal to sub-coastal regions in Southwest Australia. Its appearance is considered appealing, with white spots, black barring and vivid crimson marks at the ear and upper tail. Red-eared firetails are usually only glimpsed briefly, if at all, as they move rapidly and discreetly through their habitat. Most observations occur when their soft voice is heard, or in flight when flushed from the dense scrub. Males and females are similar in colouring and bond as lifelong pairs that occupy a territory centred on their roosting and brooding nest site.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Beautiful FiretailStagonopleura bellaAt 10 to 13 cm (3.9 to 5.1 in) long and weighing 14 g (1⁄2 oz) the beautiful firetail is a small plump bird, slightly smaller than the diamond firetail.
Diamond FiretailStagonopleura guttataThe diamond firetail is one of the largest of the Australian finches by both weight (15–19 g) and wingspan (64–71 mm). eBird describes the firetail having an olive back and grey head.
Side by side: Diamond Firetail vs Red-eared Firetail · Beautiful Firetail vs Red-eared Firetail
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