The Plum-headed FinchNeochmia modesta, also known as Cherry Finch is a common species of estrildid finch found in Australia. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 100,000 – 1,000,000 km².
It is found in dry savanna and subtropical/ tropical (lowland) dry shrubland in Australia. The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
The female is similar to the male but lacks the male's black chin spot.
The Plum-headed Finch breeds mainly from September–January in the south and August–March in the north. The nest is round, laterally compressed chamber of green grass and is built in thick bushes. 4-6 pure white eggs are laid.
Origin and phylogeny has been obtained by Antonio Arnaiz-Villena et al. Estrildinae may have originated in India and dispersed thereafter (towards Africa and Pacific Ocean habitats).