ORDER
Passeriform.es
FAMILY
Estrildidae
GENUS & SPECIES
KEY FEATURES
Its remarkable color patterns make this finch one the most beautiful birds in the world.
• The Gouldian finch is endangered, mainly due to habitat destruction and the cage bird trade
. • Rarely descends to the ground, but instead clings to grass stems and low twigs on bushes and trees
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Found in northern territories of Australia in tropical savannah woodlands from the Kimberleys in western Australia east to Cape York Peninsula in Queensland
LIFECYCLE
Throughout the year, the Gouldian finch is more active in the heat of the afternoon than other birds, descending from its roosting perch to feed on grass seeds.
Habitat
The Gouldian finch is found in the northern territories of Australia. Year-round grassland and water sources attract this colorful bird; during the breeding season, hollows of eucalyptus trees are a favorite. The largest known breeding population occurs in the Yinberrie Hills. The bird thrives in this warm climate, and avoids cooler climates. The finch’s range has temperatures from 60-1 I0°F.
Behavior
Gouldian finches live in flocks, rarely descending from their roosting perches in trees and bushes except to feed. The birds often become nomadic during the dry season as they search for water holes and grass seeds.The birds are well adapted to heat; they may be most active during the hottest parts of the day, when other animals are seeking shade.This decreases their competition.
Resting rainbow Gouldian finches spend most of their time in the trees.
A Favorite site
The salmon gum, a eucalyptus tree, is a favorite nesting site for the Gouldian finch.
Conservation
The Gouldian finch is endangered in its native Australia. Fewer than 2,500 mature birds are thought to exist in the wild. Fires, the cage bird trade, competition for food sources, feral predators and diseases all pose threats to this beautiful bird. In 1992 a recovery plan was recommended; it should improve bird populations within 10 years.
Food & feeding
The Gouldian finch feeds mainly on grass seeds, using its short, strong beak to pluck and open tough outer layers. When feeding, the finch comes close to the ground but seldom touches it; instead, it prefers to harvest seeds directly from the plant. During the dry season, the bird feeds mainly on the seeds of sorghum, an annual grass, and on seeds of several perennial grasses throughout the wet season. During the wet monsoon season, tender green shoots, grass seeds and insects appear in abundance, and this is when breeding begins; the finch then adds insects to its menu, especially flying ants and termites, which it takes on the wing.
a clean feed
Seed ballet…
The Gouldian finch acrobatically plucks seeds from grass stems in the morning, coming close to the ground but rarely ever touching it.
John Gould, the first to describe this finch in 1841, named the bird in honor of his wife, hence the common name Lady Gould.
Air sac mites are a threat to the Gouldian finch. If heavily infested with these tiny organisms, a bird can die in 2-7 days, even after treatment, from the accumulation of dead mites that obstruct the airways and cause asphyxiation.
Tough seed…
The finch spends the day feeding on grass seeds, effortlessly husking the outer shells with its strong bill.
Community drink…
A cattle trough provides fresh water for Gouldian finches and other birds nearby, including zebra finches.
Bath time
Tropical surroundings and plenty of moisture offer the Gouldian finch many outlets for bathing, drinking, or preening.
Breeding
During the monsoons from November through February, tender shoots, green grass seeds and insects are plentiful; this abundance of food triggers the Gouldian finch’s breeding cycle. Males and females of the species will breed before attaining full plumage, usually between 9 months and 1 year of age. During courtship, the male approaches the female with a piece of nesting material, usually grass. He then performs a bobbing dance, ruffling his feathers while bobbing his head and crowing. The female crouches and quivers if impressed. After mating, the female builds a simple nest, often in a eucalyptus tree, or occasionally in termite mounds. She lays 4-8 pure white eggs, with an average clutch size of five. Both parents incubate the eggs for a total of about two weeks. Luminous markings on the chicks’ beaks make them easy for their parents to spot; they are fed mainly sorghum seeds. The young fledge at about 3 weeks of age but are not completely independent for about 3-4 weeks more. The adults often produce multiple broods per season, especially in extremely warm areas.
A Seed feed
A parent brings its hidden chicks some food.
PROFILE
GOULDIAN FINCH
Stunning colors make the Gouldian finch a favorite among birdwatchers; commonly called the Lady Gould, its brilliant hues are sharply defined.
Creature comparisons
At 4″, the zebra finch (Poephila guttata) is slightly smaller than the Gouldian finch, but much more plentiful.Their range is much larger than that of the Gouldian finch:zebra finches are found throughout Australia, except forTasmania. Both species search for seeds, the staples of their diet. Zebra finches have been bred in captivity for many years; as a result, there are many different morphs of the bird, ranging from white to buff to pink and a dozen other variations. A common male zebra finch is gray with a white belly, chestnut cheeks, and gray and black stripes under the neck; it’s black-and-white tailbars give rise to the name “zebra.”
Gouldian finch Zebra finch
VITAL STATISTICS | |
Weight | 0.5 oz. |
Length | 5-5.5″ |
Sexual Maturity | 9 months- 1 year |
Breeding [ Season | February- September |
Number [of Young ,. | 4-8 |
Incubation [ Period | 12-16 days |
Fledging ; Period | 15-21 days |
Breeding [ Interval | Up to three broods per season |
Typical I Diet | Seeds and insects, including ants and termites |
Lifespan | Unknown |
RELATED SPECIES
• The Gouldian finch is ‘the only species in its genus, Chloebia, though it was once placed in the genus Peophila with the grass finches; some scientists argue that it actually belongs in the genus Erythura with the parrot finches, such as the blue-faced parrot finch, E trichroa. There are about 133 species in the family Estrildidae, including the waxbills, finches, manakins and Java sparrows.