The Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) is found in the reeds and grasses of Northern Australia and is usually common near surface water. It is now available in a variety of color mutations including yellow-faced, cinnamon and pied. Females are often seen displaying to males which can cause confusion when sexing young birds.

Stars are easy to sex, the male has brighter colors, especially the red on the face.

Stars begin to color up at about 10 weeks but are not fully colored until they are about 8 months old.

A good finch diet consisting of mixed millets and canary seed should be supplemented with greenfood and the heads of seeding grasses. During the breeding the young will benefit if the adults have access to sprouted seed, live food and eggfood.

Red-headed Star Finch Pair (F-left, M-right)
(photo by Harry Bryant)