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Frequently Asked Questions

• Website
  • Why can't I log in?
    Make sure you use the email address that you used when registering. If you are sure that you are using the correct email address, you can request that your password be reset or that your password reminder is sent to you by clicking 'I've forgotten my password'. 
  • Do I need to register as a member to be a volunteer?
    No. However, if you wish to recieve email messages personally it is highly advisable to become a site member. You can register multiple people as volunteers from the same member login. Reminders will be sent to the email address associated with the login. If you need to have a volunteer moved to a different login - please Contact Us. 
• About The Bird
  • When do they breed?
    Like most Australian species, the timing and duration of the breeding season is influenced by the availability of food. Breeding varies from year to year according to rainfall patterns and site-specific circumstances. Under optimal conditions the species can breed continuously throughout the year, though most breeding occurs in the first half of the year. Five or six eggas are laid in a clutch and juvenile birds remain with their parents for a few months after fledging. 
  • What do Black-throated Finches eat?
    Black-throated Finches feed mainly on the seeds of native grasses (e.g. Cockatoo Grass - Alloteropsis cimicina, Windmill Grass - Chloris sp., Black Spear Grass - Heteropogon contortus) and some introduced grasses (e.g Sabi Grass - Urochloa mosambicansus, Red Natal Grass - Melinus repens). They use both annual and perennial grass seeds. Seeds are collected either from the ground or directly from the plant. As the season progresses, the birds add different species of grass to their diet. Black-throated Finches require a continuous supply of seeds throughout the year. 
  • Why have Black-throated Finches declined so much?
    There are many contributing factors to the decline of the Black-throated Finch and other seed eating birds (Granivores). Major changes to the tree layer and grass layer in the landscape in which they live is a key factor in their decline.  

    These changes are thought to be caused by land clearing, changes in pasture composition, heavy grazing, oversowing, altered fire regimes and increasing urbanisation. 
  • Where can I see Black-throated Finches?
    The Townsville coastal plain is one of the best places to see Black-throated Finches. Many of the birds live on privately owned land. You can see Black-throated Finches in the Townsville City Council Oak Valley Reserve. 
  • What birds look similar to a Black-throated Finch?
    This depends on where you are geographically. If you are south of Townsville it is easy to confuse the bird with: 

    Chestnut-breasted Mannekin 

    Double barr Finch 

     

    If you are north of Townsville you might see: 

     

     

    If you are in the Northern territory you might see: