Family Estrildidae: Species - worldwide 120, Australia 20

Small, colourful seed eaters. Appear in flocks in grasslands and woodlands and occasionally in dense undergrowth.

Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) are found in open country across much of inland Australia. Both male and female birds have orange beaks and black and white tear stripes near their eyes. Males have orange cheeks, with striped throat and brown/orange spots under wings. Both male and female birds have striped tails. The female is generally mid-grey to brown on the back, with a pale, cream underbelly.

Double Barred Finches (Taeniopygia bichenovil) have distinctive black bars circling the face and chest. Both male and females having a dark brown back, black and white spotted wins and black tail. Juveniles are duller with less distinct chest bars.

Red Browed Finches(Neochmia temporalis) are often found in dense shrubs in family groups. Both male and females have a red beak and red stripe across the eyes, with a red and black tail. The female may be duller in colour. The body is olive green, with grey head and light grey underbelly.

Diamond Firetails (Stagonopleura guttata) are often found in woodland areas. Male has red flash on tail, with black chest band and white speckled side and white body. Female has red flash on tail but pail brown body, with white chest and throat.