gouldian finch Fast Facts
Overview
Also known as the Rainbow finch for its stunning bold colours. They are native to the Northern tips of Australia, living in open tropical woodlands. The male and female display the bold colourful plumage, the only difference being that the females are not as brightly coloured. They are primary seedeaters, consuming up to 30% of their bodyweight every day. Gouldian finches will nest in tree holes, during the early part of the dry season when food is plentiful. It has been shown that females can control the sex of their offspring by choosing their mates according to the head colour. A female will lay between 4-8 eggs which hatch after 23 days. For protection and when food is plentiful Gouldian finches will flock with other finch species in the 1000's. During the dry season they will be much more nomadic and go wherever they can find food.
Diet
Grass seeds.
Reproduction
Gouldian finches will nest in tree holes, during the early part of the dry season when food is plentiful. It has been shown that females can control the sex of their offspring by choosing their mates according to the head colour. A female will lay between 4-8 eggs which hatch after 23 days.
Threats + Conservation
Regular and extensive fires and over grazing by cattle is a threat to these little finches as they are changing the grass species available for the finches to feed from.
Fun facts
The British ornithologist John Gould named the bird the "Lady Gouldian Finch" for his wife Elizabeth in 1841.