The CHESTNUT REED FINCH (_Donacola castaneothorax_), and the
DOUBLE-BANDED REED FINCH (_Donacola bivittata_), two species of this
group, have been brought repeatedly to Europe within the last few years,
thus rendering us somewhat familiar with their habits. These birds
closely resemble each other in their general appearance, and in their
length, which is about four inches. The head and upper part of the throat
are dark grey; the cheeks, throat, and ear-covers blackish brown; the
upper part of the body reddish brown, and the upper tail-covers orange or
tawny; the tail is reddish brown, edged with a paler shade; the breast
is decorated with a broad, light, chestnut-coloured circlet, which is
enclosed upon its lower portion by two black lines; the breast, belly,
and under tail-covers are white, striped with black. The Double-banded
Reed Finch is found near Moreton Bay, where it lives upon the banks of
rivers, passing its time among the reeds, very much after the manner of
our Bearded Titmouse (_Calamorphilus biarmicus_), which it resembles in
the activity of its movements.
The DOUBLE-BANDED FINCH is distinguished by the size of the black
spots upon the cheeks, which reach as far as the breast; moreover, the
chestnut-coloured circlet upon the breast is broader, and separated from
the light-coloured belly by a broad black line.
Little is known of either of the above species in their native state.
When caged they are lively and contented, but require to be kept in
pairs, as it is only then that their affectionate dispositions can
be fully appreciated. Song they have none, and their monotonous and
prolonged call has not even purity of sound to recommend it.
Both these Finches breed and moult in the months corresponding to our
autumn and winter. In confinement they may be reared upon almost any
small seeds, with a little green food as an occasional variety.
* * * * *
The second Australian section comprehends the group of the GRASS FINCHES
(_Poëphila_). The beaks of these birds resemble those of the Hawfinches,
being very deep at their base, and almost as broad as they are long; the
wings are of moderate size, their first quill shorter than the rest,
and the four succeeding ones of equal length; the wedge-shaped tail is
abruptly graduated, and its two middle feathers considerably elongated.
* * * * *
Another very similar race of these Australian birds has been separated
from this group by Reichenbach under the denomination of CHAFF-FINCHES
(_Chloëbia_), on account of the peculiar formation of the tail, which
is short and wedge-shaped, the two middle feathers standing out in the
old bird, and terminating in a bristle-like appendage; the difference of
plumage is also striking, the coat of the Grass Finch being light brown,
with very prominent lines, of a darker or lighter shade, passing around
the body, while the Chaff-finch is of a bright green above, but yellow
underneath, and has a broad line upon the breast.