Finch Masked Grass

Description: The Masked Grass Finch (Poephila personata), also known as the masked finch, is a small passerine bird in the estrildid finch family, Estrildidae. It is a common resident of dry savannah across northern Australia, from the Kimberley, across the Top End, the Gulf country, and the southern part of Cape York Peninsula, as far east as Chillagoe, but always near water. Pairs or small flocks of masked finches forage through the day, mostly on the ground for fallen grass seeds. In the evenings and early mornings, large numbers—sometimes thousands— can gather around waterholes to drink, bathe, and preen, flicking their tails sideways and chattering incessantly.

Size/Weight: 5″ / 16 – 17 g

Lifespan: 7 to 8 years

Temperament: Masked Grass Finches for sale have a beautiful color scheme, a temperate nature, and close social structures which make these birds an absolute delight to all avian enthusiasts. They are peaceful birds who never show signs of aggression except when sitting on eggs, and then it’s a little warning for other birds to stay away. These are active finches and enjoy plenty of flight space.

Breeding: Masked Grass Finches can be difficult to breed even if given the right conditions. They don’t seem to show a preference for nesting receptacles and will construct their breeding nests in the brush of the aviary. The nest, if built in the brush, is a smallish nest with an entrance hole in one end. They often use long leaves from the tussock grasses and weave these into a ball. They use coarse grass for the outer nest and may use softer November grass for lining the interior together with a large number of white feathers, Emu feathers, and even pampas grass heads. The nest is often well hidden and many appear to have an entrance tunnel which opens into a feather filled chamber.

Diet: Classic Finch Seed, , Dried Egg Food