Diamond Firetail Finch (Diamond Sparrow)
(Stagonopleura (Emblema) guttata)

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This beautiful member of the fire-tail family ranges on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range from Queensland/New South Wales border through to Victoria and South Australia.  Their combination of white, black, grey and brilliant red, make them a must in the collections of many Australian finch breeders.

Sexing

Sexes are similar but mature cocks have a maroon beak, grey head and white throat.  The lores between the eye and the beak is jet balck.  In the hen the beak is coral pink and the lores are narrower and brown-black.

Diet

Essentially a grain eater the Diamond Firetail likes the usual finch additives such as seed grass heads, endive, soaked or sprouted seed, egg and biscuit mix.  Minerals in the form of shell-grit, cuttlefish bone and charcoal should also be supplied.

Breeding

A dry, draught free aviary is a must.  They build a huge nest, usually in brush.  Four to six white eggs are the usual clutch.  Good pairs in the right conditions can be very prolific.

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