The painted finch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Australia. The painted finch acquired its name due to the red and white spotted and mottled underparts of both males and females. The binomial comes from emblema meaning 'mosaic or inlaid work'; and pictum derives from the Latin word pictus, meaning 'painted'. Other names include Emblema finch, mountain finch, painted firetail and Emblema. The painted finch is a popular bird to be kept in captivity and in backyard aviaries.
Region
Arid interior of Australia
Typical Environment
Found across northwestern and central Australia, especially in rocky hills, stony plains, and spinifex (Triodia) grasslands. It favors areas with scattered shrubs, mulga, and access to permanent or seasonal waterholes. Birds often concentrate along creeklines and gorges during dry periods. The species is largely resident but may make local, rainfall-driven movements.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
The painted finch, also called the painted firetail, is an estrildid finch endemic to arid Australia, famed for its red mask and white-spotted underparts. It frequents rocky, spinifex-covered country and often gathers at waterholes to drink, especially at dawn and dusk. Pairs build domed grass nests tucked into spinifex clumps or low shrubs, and both sexes share nesting duties.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating, low flight
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, especially around water sources. Pairs are monogamous and build domed grass nests hidden in spinifex clumps or low shrubs. Both sexes incubate and feed the young, and family groups may remain together after fledging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, tinkling trills and twittering notes, delivered from low perches. Calls include sharp contact chips and gentle, metallic twitters used to keep groups together.
Plumage
Compact finch with dark brown upperparts and white-spotted blackish underparts. The flanks are boldly dotted, and the rump is bright red. Plumage is cleanly patterned with a mosaic-like appearance.
Diet
Primarily grass seeds, especially from spinifex (Triodia) and other arid-zone grasses, taken from the ground or seed heads. They also consume small insects such as termites and other invertebrates, particularly in the breeding season. Grit and small pebbles may be ingested to aid digestion, and water is visited regularly in dry habitats.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open, stony ground, in spinifex tussocks, and along creeklines and gorges. Often forages near waterholes and in areas with sparse shrub cover.
