Common Name: Gouldian Finch Scientific Name: Erythrura gouldiae
ENDANGERED Gouldian Finch Distribution: Austraila Habitat: Tropical Forest and Savannah
Gouldian finches are endemic to Australia and are considered endangered as the latest studies suggest that there are less than 2500 breeding adults left in the wild. Habitat destruction and forest fires are the main threats, but their lack of camouflage makes them vulnerable to predators too. However, they are unlikely to become extinct altogether as they are a popular aviary bird. These finches are fully herbivorous and only eat seeds, unlike many other finches that will also eat insects. They prefer to eat the seeds directly from the stalk, rather than feeding off the ground.
Length: 130-140mm
Males perform a mating display, where they bob their heads and ruffle their feathers to demonstrate their bright plumage. Then the male will fluff out the feathers on his chest and forehead.
Weight: 15g
After mating the female will lay 4-8 eggs that both parents will incubate, and both parents feed the hatchlings too. Breeding usually occurs at the beginning of the dry season, May and June, as this is when their food is most abundant.
Diet: Herbivorous
There are three colour morphs found in the wild; black-headed, red-headed and yellow-headed, two of these are illustrated here. Different body colours have been bred in captivity, but are not found in the wild. Male gouldian finches are also brighter than their female counterparts.