Stagonopleura oculata
The Red-eared Firetail, *Stagonopleura oculata*, is a small, striking finch endemic to Australia, typically measuring 10-12 cm (4-5 in) in length and weighing a mere 9-11 grams. Its plumage features olive-brown upperparts finely barred with black, contrasting with a creamy-white belly and flanks adorned with bold white spots. A vivid crimson rump provides a flash of color in flight, but its most iconic feature is the prominent scarlet patch on each side of the head, giving it its 'red-eared' ...
Found in damp, dense coastal heaths, wet sclerophyll forests, and shrubby areas, often in close proximity to permanent water sources. Typically inhabits lowland to moderate elevations, usually below 500 meters.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on small seeds, especially immature grass seeds. They supplement their diet with a small amount of insects, particularly during the breeding season.
Red-eared Firetails are diurnal and primarily ground-foragers, meticulously gleaning small grass seeds from the litter and low vegetation, often darting between cover. They are generally monogamous, with pairs defending a small breeding territory. Courtship involves the male holding a piece of gr...
The Red-eared Firetail exhibits a disjunct distribution across southern Australia. The primary population resides in the southwest of Western Australia, extending from north of Perth southwards along the coast to Esperance. A separate, isolated population is found in southeastern Australia, encom...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name, *oculata*, is Latin for 'eyed,' referring to the prominent red ear patches that resemble eyes. - Despite its small size, its nest is remarkably elaborate, often described as flask- or retort-shaped, with a long, narrow entrance tunnel. - Unlike many finches, the Red-eared F...