Neochmia ruficauda, Photo: André Karwath (*) Cladus: Eukaryota Name Neochmia ruficauda (Gould, 1837) Vernacular names Reference A synopsis of the birds of Australia, and the adjacent islands pt1 pl.10 fig.2 The Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda is a species of estrildid finch found in Australia. It inhabits dry grassland and dry savanna habitats.
It has three subspecies: * Neochmia ruficauda subclarescens (inhabits in three separate subpopulations, from Pilbara, Fitzroy River Valley and Gibb River, Western Australia to the Northern Territory/ Queensland border.)
The habitats of Star Finch is threatened by overgrazing of grasslands, removing essential cover, as well as sources of food. Selective grazing of perennials during the dry season may also remove grasses that are needed for survival during the wet season. Burning of grassland during the dry season may reduce the fallen seed during the wet season and thus reduce the food supply needed by Star Finch. This species is also threatened by cage-bird trades[1]. Availability Despite the fact that the Star Finch has been listed as critically endangered in the wild[verification needed] it is a common aviary bird. This species has mutations such as the Yellow & Cinnamon varieties[2]. 1. ^ BirdLife Species Factsheet Source: Wikipedia, Wikispecies: All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License |
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