Double-Barred Finch

With each visit to The Spit, at some time I come across a group of these delightful little birds. They are so small (4" or 10cm) and so quite, that it is easy to miss them.

Usually they are seen beside the walking tracks, where there are grasses in seed.

The scientific name is Taeniopygia bichenovii, and they are sometimes called by other common names, such as the "Banded Finch" or the "Black Ringed Finch".

In this shot it is easier to see why they have been given the common names they have.

There is another race of Double-barred Finch in Australia, race annulosa. Found across northern Australia, it has a black rump instead of a white one.