The beautiful firetail is a common species of estrildid finch found in Australia. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,000,000 km2 (390,000 sq mi). The species inhabits temperate shrubland habitats in Australia. The IUCN has classified the species as being of least concern.
Region
Southeast Australia and Tasmania
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal southeastern Queensland (locally) through coastal and near-coastal New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania and Bass Strait islands. Prefers dense coastal and near-coastal heath, tea-tree and banksia thickets, shrubby forest edges, and sedgelands, especially near watercourses and swamps. Frequently uses bracken and melaleuca thickets and regenerating shrubby habitats after fire, provided cover remains. Avoids open interiors and extensively cleared farmland, except along dense riparian strips.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The beautiful firetail is a small, secretive estrildid finch of southeastern Australia and Tasmania, named for its vivid red rump and tail. It keeps close to dense cover and is often heard before it is seen. Pairs build domed grass nests low in thick shrubs, usually near water. The species is assessed as Least Concern and persists well in suitable heath and shrubby habitats.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
low, fast flight with short undulations between cover
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, keeping close to dense shrubs. Monogamous pairs build domed grass nests with a side entrance, placed low in thick vegetation, often near water. Both sexes incubate and care for the young, and family groups may remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, high, tinkling series of trills and thin seee or tsit contact calls. The song is subdued and delivered from within cover, often betraying the bird’s presence when it remains hidden.
