Black-throated Finch (southern subspecies) - profile

Indicative distribution

Loading map...

Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Poephila cincta cincta

Conservation status in NSW: Extinct

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 30 Sep 2016

Profile last updated: 19 Aug 2017

Description

A small stocky bird up to 12cm long and weighing about 15g. It has a distinctive black throat that extends to the chest to form a large bib. The bill, in front of the eye, and the short tail are also black. The body is fawn and the head is pale blue-grey. The southern subspecies has a white rump.

Distribution

The southern subspecies was once found from the Atherton Tableland in Queensland to the Inverell district in northern NSW. It has suffered a massive range contraction and is now rarely recorded south of Clermont in Queensland. In NSW it was once widespread in the northern tablelands and northwest slopes, but was last recorded in 1994 and may now be extirpated in the State.

Habitat and ecology

Black-throated Finches inhabit dry, open, grassy woodlands, often along watercourses. They have been recorded in riparian Ti-tree and Melaleuca thickets surrounded by open grassy areas in the Inverell district.
Mainly granivorous, consuming primarily native grass seed, although insects will also be taken. Typically forage in small flocks on the ground.
Considered to be sedentary, but may move in response to drought.
Black-throated Finches pair for life and nest in colonies, usually laying about 5-6 eggs with incubation thought to be 12-14 days.
The southern subspecies breeds readily in captivity and is a popular avicultural species.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Black-throated Finch decline in NSW is thought to have coincided with the intensification of grazing of grassy riparian habitat by stock, with a consequent reduction in seed availability from native grasses.
Clearing and fragmentation of woodland, riverside habitats and wattle shrubland, including trees for perching, and clearing of dense riparian refuge and nesting habitat.
Weed invasion and the replacement of native pasture with introduced species resulting in the loss of food plants and seasonally important food species.
Alteration of habitat by changes in fire regimes.
Illegal trapping of birds.
Food competition from rabbits.
Clearing and fragmentation of habitat in association with mining activities.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Prevent over-grazing particularly in riparian habitat.
Control rabbits in riparian habitat.
Control weeds in riparian habitat.
Protect and conserve woodland and riparian vegetation from clearing, fragmentation and disturbance.
Encourage the growth and seeding of native grass species.
Report suspected illegal bird trapping to the OEH.
Report any sightings of the Black-throated Finch to the OEH.
Implement appropriate fire regime for habitat type and prevent overburning.
Continue to provide advice to consent and planning authorities regarding the habitat requirements of the species, and incorporate habitat protection measures in planning decisions.

Information sources

Black-throated Finch Recovery Team. (2007) National recovery plan for the Black-throated Finch southern subspecies Poephila cincta cincta.
Dept of Environment (2014) Australian Government Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT): Poephila cincta cincta — Black-throated Finch (southern).
Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Cowling, S.J. (2006) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 7: Boatbill to Starlings. Oxford University Press: Melbourne.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Nandewar	Inverell Basalts	Predicted	None
Nandewar	Nandewar Northern Complex	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Glenn Innes-Guyra Basalts	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Severn River Volcanics	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None

Sounds

Images

Black-throated Finch
Enlarge image

Related information

Get involved

Report a sighting

Nature conservation

Threatened species