Masked Finch or Black-Throated Finch?
Here's how to tell the difference
Masked Finch
Black-Throated Finch
Masked Finch
Poephila personata
General appearance
The masked finch is a small bird native to Australia, around 12-14 cm long. It's characterized by its white underparts, dark gray back, and faded yellow tail. Its most distinguishing feature, from which it gets its name, is the black 'mask' around its eyes and throat.
Male vs female
In physical appearance, males and females are similar. However, the male boasts a more vibrant coloration during the breeding season to attract mates, with its white parts turning rosy pink and black parts deepening. Females are usually slightly less vibrant, keeping their colors more neutral.
Juvenile
Juvenile masked finches are drabber and browner than adults, lacking the black 'mask' --which develops as they mature. They can be identified by their smaller size, less vibrant coloration, and the absence of the distinctive 'mask'.
Size
4.9 - 5.3 in/0.4 - 0.6 oz
There's more to learn about Masked Finch
View full detailsBlack-Throated Finch
Poephila cincta
Also known as: Parson Finch
General appearance
The black-throated finch is a small, robust bird, often ranging from 12–14 cm in length. It has a pointed beak and a distinctive black throat and facial mask. The bird’s upper body is greyish-brown, while its underbody is white. It also has white spots on its rump and undertail. The bird’s eyes are dark brown.
Male vs female
Males and females have minor differences in coloration. While both sexes share the species’ trademark black throat, the males often have a more pronounced and extensive black mask. Males also exhibit a darker greyish-brown coloration on the upper body and more pronounced white spots on the rump and undertail compared to females, which are lighter and less distinctive in their markings.
Juvenile
Juveniles differ from the adults and are duller in appearance. They do not develop the black throat and mask until they mature. Young black-throated finches are predominantly brown and lack the distinctive white spots on the rump and undertail. As the bird matures, it will gradually gain its adult coloration.
Size
3.9 - 4.5 in/0.5 - 0.6 oz
There's more to learn about Black-Throated Finch
View full detailsHow to tell the Masked Finch from the Black-Throated Finch
Visual differences
The Masked Finch is around 5-5.3 inches long, slightly larger than the Black-Throated Finch, which is about 4-4.5 inches. The Masked Finch has white underparts, a dark gray back, and a yellow tail, with a distinctive black 'mask' around its eyes and throat. In contrast, the Black-Throated Finch has a black throat and facial mask, greyish-brown upper body, and white underbody, with white spots on its rump and undertail. The Masked Finch's colors are more vibrant, especially in breeding males. Both species have similar body weights.
Key differences and behavior
The Masked Finch (4.9-6.7 in) and Black-Throated Finch (3.9-4.5 in) are both native to Northern Australia but exhibit distinct behaviors. Masked Finches are social, especially at night, gathering around waterholes, while Black-Throated Finches form larger groups of 12-30 individuals. Masked Finches court with vibrant displays and unique songs, building nests in trees, whereas Black-Throated Finches, known for their daring nesting in raptor nests, utilize visual and vocal courtship. Both species primarily consume grass seeds but include insects in their diet for protein during breeding. Masked Finches prefer tropical savannahs and watercourses, while Black-Throated Finches adapt to open woodlands and even human-altered areas. Their choice of feeders is similar, enjoying mixed seeds.
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