The plum-headed finch also known as cherry finch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Australia. It is the only species placed in the genus Aidemosyne. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 100,000 – 1,000,000 km2.
Region
Eastern and northern Australia
Typical Environment
Found across inland and coastal fringes of eastern and northern Australia, especially in open grassy woodlands, lightly timbered country, and along watercourses. It favors areas with abundant seeding native grasses, including grasslands, savanna edges, and cleared pastoral lands. The species readily uses riparian thickets and farm margins, provided cover and seed are available. After good rains, birds may appear in large, loose flocks where grasses are seeding profusely.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also called the cherry finch, the plum-headed finch is an Australian estrildid and the sole member of the genus Aidemosyne. Males show a distinctive wine-plum head, while females are browner and less vividly marked. It often moves locally and nomadically in response to seeding grasses after rain. Widely kept in aviculture, it remains common in the wild.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding flight
Social Behavior
Usually in pairs or small flocks, forming larger groups outside the breeding season. Nests are neatly woven, spherical grass structures placed in shrubs, low trees, or dense tussocks. Breeding is often timed with or after rainfall when grass seed and insect abundance peak. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding period and may raise multiple broods in good seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, tinkling trills and thin contact notes exchanged within flocks. Male song is a gentle, buzzy warble delivered from a perch, often interspersed with delicate tsit and tsee notes.
