The Plum Headed Finch is a pretty bird native to the Indian subcontinent. You’ll find them in various regions from Pakistan, Nepal, and India to Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Their vibrant coloration and striking appearance make them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
If you want to learn more about the Plum Headed Finch and how to attract them to your garden, keep reading.
Appearance
The Plum Headed Finch is a diminutive bird, measuring only 5-6 inches in length. The male has a bright pink to deep purple head, black gorget, red bill, and a dark brown upper body. The underparts are light brown with buffy flanks. The tail is brown with white tips and a black band near the base. The female has a duller plumage, with a gray-brown head and upperparts, a buffy underbelly, and a pale beak.
Diet
The Plum Headed Finch is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of seeds, fruits, insects, and nectar. They particularly enjoy sunflower seeds, millet, and thistle, all of which are readily available in bird feeders. You can also attract them by planting fruit trees, such as guava and pomegranate, or shrubs with berries, like holly or winterberry.
Habitat
The Plum Headed Finch lives in a wide range of habitats, from open woodlands and dry scrublands to cultivated areas, gardens, and parks. They are often found in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other small seed-eating birds such as munias, waxbills, and sparrows. They build their nests in shrubs and trees, using twigs and grasses, lining them with soft materials such as feathers and plant down.
Behavior
The Plum Headed Finch is a vocal and active bird, often chattering and hopping around in bushes and trees. They are agile flyers, performing acrobatic maneuvers such as sharp turns, dives, and loops. They are also known for their courtship displays, where the male fluffs up his feathers, spreads his wings, and sings a series of warbling notes to attract a mate.
Conservation
The Plum Headed Finch is a common and widespread species, with a stable population and no major threats. However, they are sometimes caught and sold as pets, or hunted for their meat and feathers. To ensure their continued presence in your garden and the wild, it’s essential to provide them with suitable food and habitat, and never disturb their nests or nests sites.
Conclusion
The Plum Headed Finch is an attractive and fascinating bird, that is easy to attract and observe in your garden. By offering them a variety of food and shelter, you can enjoy the sight and sound of these delightful creatures, while contributing to their conservation and well-being in the wild.
With their colorful plumage and lively behavior, the Plum Headed Finch is a joy to have around, and a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
