The blue-faced parrotfinch is a locally common species of estrildid finch found in north-eastern Australia, eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with disjunct populations in Micronesia and Palau. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10,000,000 km2.
Region
Southwest Pacific and New Guinea region
Typical Environment
It inhabits lowland and foothill rainforest, forest edges, and secondary growth, and readily uses clearings, gardens, and plantations near forest. Birds often work through seeding grasses and shrubs in understory and along tracks, and they may ascend into mid-story foliage. They tolerate disturbed habitats and can occur around villages and crops. During local food peaks, small flocks range more widely through suitable habitat.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
This small, brightly colored estrildid finch ranges across New Guinea and many Southwest Pacific islands, with localized populations in places like Micronesia and Palau, and it also occurs in far northeastern Australia. It forages nimbly through forest edges and secondary growth, often in small, fast-moving parties. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats and gardens near rainforest. Although sometimes kept in aviculture, it remains a wild, non-domesticated species.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Often found in pairs or small, loose flocks that move quickly through foliage and along forest margins. Nests are typically neat, ball-shaped structures of grasses hidden in dense shrubs or clumps of vegetation. They may join mixed-species feeding assemblages in fruiting or seeding areas and can roost communally outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of high, sibilant notes and trills. Contact calls are thin, high 'tsee' or 'seep' notes given frequently as flocks forage.
