Black-throated finch

The Black-Throated Finch (Poephila cincta cincta) is a small bird about 10cm in length found in the Galilee Basin of Central Queensland and coastal plains near Townsville. It feeds mainly on fallen seeds of native grasses where they inhabit close to watercourses in dry, open woodlands dominated by eucalypts, paperbarks or acacias.

They were once much more widespread but are now classed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and the Nature Conservation Act.

The Black-Throated Finch population has rapidly declined in the last 30 years becoming extinct in New South Wales. Their habitats are threatened by domestic stock, urban sprawl, open-cut coal mining, feral and domestic animals, drought, fires, weeds, illegal use of motor vehicles and littering.

Conservation areas have been reserved within Elliot Springs to protect the Black-Throated Finch and recovery of its population. These areas can be found in the Elliot Springs Master Plan. Visitors should ensure their pets are properly controlled when visiting the area and report any illegal activities.

Learn more about this endangered species through the following organisations.