The Stunning Firetail Bird of Australia -A Slightly Plump Bird with Delicate Barring

The beautiful firetail (Stagonopleura bella) is approximately 10 to 13 cm (4-5 inches) long and weighs around 14 grams (1/2 oz). It is a relatively small bird, with mostly olive-brown plumage, while its chest displays a fine pattern of scalloped dark lines on a white background. The head features a mask-like pattern in black, complemented by pale blue eye rings, and is finished off with a bright red bill. The rump showcases a fiery dark red color, and the legs and feet are pale pink. The wings and tail are short and rounded.

Juvenile birds have less vibrant colors compared to adults, with black beaks and a smaller face mask.

Male birds have a black abdomen.

The beautiful firetail is commonly found in southwestern Australia, particularly in Tasmania and the surrounding offshore islands.

These birds prefer habitats near coastal heathlands, forests, or shrubbery, typically in close proximity to water.

Beautiful firetails primarily feed on grass seeds, although they occasionally consume snails and small insects.

The breeding season for these birds takes place from October to January. During this time, they construct bottle-shaped nests made of grass and twigs, lined with feathers, usually near the ground.

Both parents contribute to nest-building, and a clutch of 5 to 8 eggs is laid and incubated for approximately 20 days. The parents also take turns feeding the chicks, which fledge the nest after 20 days.

The beautiful firetail is currently classified as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.