These are found from the Kimberley region through to west of the Gulf of Carpentaria and then from Cape York down the east coast to south-eastern Victoria in dry grassy woodlands, scrublands, open forests and farmlands. They are fairly common here but because of their small size and rapid movement they are easy to miss, there are plenty of them on the Sandy Point Road and if you potter along at about 20kmh you will see them. Sandy Point Road runs through extensive wetlands and sand dunes so you will see quite a variety of birds, the road is very wide up to the National Park and driving slowly won’t inconvenience other drivers, the National Park section is a bit rough for non 4WD vehicles.
 Double-barred Finches feed primarily on grass seeds but like most small birds, will also take insects, especially when breeding, and often feed in groups or small flocks.
Males and females are indistinguishable and build a rounded nest, with a side entrance and short tunnel into an inner chamber lined with fine grass, feathers and plant down. The nest is placed between 1 m to 5 m from the ground in pandanus or thick bushes, breeding season varies depending on the rain.