The small brownish long-tailed finch is best identified by its red bill and eyestripe, and by the small, pinkish red patch on the belly.
Juvenile resembles adult but is duller, and has a black bill.
Long grass in damp areas, alongside rivers and in reedbeds.
A nasal 'cher-cher-cher' and a 'ping-ping' flightnote.