Sunday, December 11, 2011

Shaft-tail Finch

SHAFT-TAIL FINCH (POEPHILIA ACUTICANDA), SKOKIE, ILLINOIS, DECEMBER 9, 2011

Pentax K-5
Sigma 17-70 DC at 70mm
1/200 sec. f8
ISO 3200

This pretty, sparrow-sized bird is native to the dry savanna of northwest Australia. Its export is now banned in that country, so examples have become expensive elsewhere. Fortunately the species breeds readily in captivity and hence is often kept in pairs. This one was captured in the little aviary at the Alden Estates rehab center in suburban Chicago.

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