What Plants Do Diamond Firetails Nest In?

Habitat

• Diamond firetails usually live in flocks of between five and 40 or more birds and may even live in flocks that include other breeds of grass finches. Although social birds, diamond firetails are considered aggressive at times, and they do not have a leader as other flocks of birds may. They have a tendency to search exclusively on the ground for ripe and partly ripe grass seeds, leaves and small insects. The males of this breed gather the materials needed, and the females build the nest.

Mistletoe

• Whenever available, the diamond firetail's preferred nesting place includes mistletoe. The foliage on the mistletoe, along with the berries and flowers, provide a constant food source for the birds and their young. Not only does the mistletoe provide a safe area for the birds to nest in and a constant food source, but the birds offer a benefit to the plant as well by working effectively to spread seeds, allowing the plant to grow in other areas.

Dense Foliage

• Trees and shrubs featuring dense foliage are other favorite nesting sites for the diamond firetail. These sites allow the birds to safely hide themselves and their young from any predators lurking in the immediate area. Nests normally built for roosting are found in dense shrubs and foliage.

High Trees

• Diamond firetails also build nests high in the tops of tall trees. However, these birds are the prey of hawks and ravens, which also build nests in tall trees. Interestingly, diamond firetails often establish their nests just below those of their predators in an effort to hide from them.