While chasing Rainbow Bee-eaters at the Newstead Cemetery my attention was diverted by the soft ‘mewing’ calls of a party of Diamond Firetails. There were at least ten individuals in the flock, a mixture of adults and recently fledged birds. These beautiful finches have been declining across the box-ironbark country – any evidence of successful breeding is noteworthy. They usually nest singly, but often form small, loose breeding colonies as may be the case with this group.
Juvenile Diamond Firetail, Newstead Cemetery, 29th December 2012.
Juvenile (at left) with adult Diamond Firetail, probably a female.
The delicate barring on the flanks and yellow base to the bill is evident in this juvenile bird.
Male and female Diamond Firetails are almost indistinguishable – the female tends to have a pale-red bill during the breeding season, otherwise the colour and markings are alike.
Natural Newstead 
We have also had diamond firetails nest in our garden in the prickly hakea decurrens. In the same group of bushes, we also had a rufous whistler bring out one fledgling after 3 hatched, and a family of red browed finches also nested alongside as well. it has kept us entertained for weeks watching them. We live at Axe Creek.
Thanks Jan, a great report that shows the value of planting prickly shrubs in clumps.
Cheers, Geoff