Gouldian Finch
Description
The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae), also known as the Lady Gouldian finch, Gould's finch or the rainbow finch, is a colourful passerine bird endemic to Australia. There is strong evidence of a continuing decline, even at the best-known site near Katherine in the Northern Territory. Large numbers are bred in captivity, particularly in Australia. In the state of South Australia, National Parks & Wildlife Department permit returns in the late 1990s showed that over 13,000 Gouldian finches were being kept by aviculturists. If extrapolated to an Australia-wide figure this would result in a total of over 100,000 birds. In 1992, it was classified as "endangered in the wild" under IUCN's criteria C2ai. This was because the viable population size was estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals, no permanent subpopulation was known to contain more than 250 mature individuals, and that a continuing decline was observed in the number of mature individuals. It is currently subject to a conservation program.
Both sexes are brightly coloured with black, green, yellow, and red markings. The females tend to be less brightly coloured. One major difference between the sexes is that the male's chest is purple, while the female's is a lighter mauve.
Gouldian finches are about 130–140 mm long. Gouldian finches' heads may be red, black, or yellow. Formerly considered three different kinds of finches, it is now known that these are colour variants that exist in the wild. Selective breeding has also developed mutations (blue, yellow and silver instead of a green back) in both body and breast colour.
Juveniles also have distinctive colours. Their heads, sides and necks are grey, and their backs, wings and tail feathers are olive green. Their undersides are pale brown. Beaks are blackish with a reddish tip. Their legs and feet are light brown. Newly hatched Gouldian finches are pink and naked until about 12 days old when the beginnings of feathers start to appear. Very young birds, like many other species of Australian cavity-nesting finches, have a variety of odd features in and around their mouths including a "palate marked in the fashion of a domino" and several "prominent rounded tubercles" with an "opalescent lustre" at the back of the gape. These tubercles are commonly (and incorrectly) described as phosphorescent in spite of much scientific evidence to the contrary. It is believed that these tubercles simply reflect light and are not luminescent. Scientists have hypothesized that this domino-like palate and striking tubercles may facilitate feeding within the dark confines of a nest cavity, although no experiments have been conducted to support this idea.
Scientific Name
Chloebia Gouldiae
Country Of Origin
Australia
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Low
Talk / Trick Ability
Low
Characteristics
Gouldian finches often develop a strong bond with their owner and are known for their loyalty. However, the Goundian finch also craves time with other birds. Gouldian finch owners notice these pet birds are intelligent and constantly watching the actions of their caretakers. Gouldian finches are social birds, so when keeping a pet Gouldian finch, it is best to have more than one, possibly two of the same sex to avoid breeding.
Behavior / Health Concerns
The Gouldian finches are susceptible to egg binding, constipation and mites. Provide a varied diet for your Gouldian finch that consists of seed, greens, cuttlebone and egg food. Finches can be sensitive to diet changes and cold temperatures, so they need time to acclimate to changes in their environment. Gouldian finches require more food during a molt. House Gouldians in a large cages to allow for plenty of room for flight. Gouldian finches also enjoy bathing as often as the owner will allow.
Expert Advice
“The Gouldian finch comes in a variety of colors. Breederes refer to it as a variety of mutations. Black-headed, purple-chested green body or red-headed, purple breasted green body are considered normal colors. Mutations can be any other color combination.”
Paula Hansen, Gouldian finch owner and National Finch & Softbill Band Secretary.