Gouldian finch  (Erythrura gouldiae)

The Gouldian finch is an extremely attractive and strikingly coloured bird. It has a grass-green upper body from the lower nape to the back and wings, a pale blue rump and a purple breast (2). The belly is bright yellow, and the bill is whitish, with a curious red tip (4). There are three distinct colour variations on the heads of these finches; red, black and yellow. These variations were thought to distinguish three separate species, though it is now known that all three colour variations occur randomly, and are found intermixed in the same geographical area (3). These splashes of colour determine the common names of this species; the red-headed, black-headed and yellow-headed Gouldian finch (3).

Like many finches, this elegant bird has two tail feathers which are long and end in a point (3). Females are less brightly coloured than males, and juveniles are also recognizable by their different colouration. They have ash-grey heads, sides and necks, and olive-green backs, wings and tail feathers (3). As they mature they develop adult colours (3).

This beautiful bird is endemic to northern Australia, where it occurs from Derby to the eastern side of the Gulf of Carpentaria to around the area of Charter Towers (3).

These finches prefer tropical savannah woodland with grassy understories and open wide plains with dispersed tall trees (2). They are also found along the fringes of mangroves and thickets, and tend to always occur near water (3).

Gouldian finches forage in upright grasses on semi-ripe to ripe seeds. They also feed on a variety of insects including beetles, termites, flies, flying ants, and spiders, and even pick out the insects caught in spiders’ webs! (3)

Pairs nest in tree-hollows, with courtship taking place on a tree limb (5). Males commence the courtship ritual with head bobbing, beak-wiping and ruffling his feathers to display his brilliant colours. He holds his body and tail erect, expands his chest and fluffs the forehead feathers. The female may also follow with some beak-wiping, and copulation takes place in the nest. Both parents brood over the nest the following day and, after the female lays her eggs and they hatch, both parents raise the young (3). Gouldian finches may produce up to 3 broods in succession, with 4-8 eggs per clutch (3).

This species is threatened by habitat modification due to cattle grazing, wildfires and collection for aviaries (2). Cattle prevent grass from seeding, and therefore reduce food availability for these finches (4). Fires can also destroy large areas occupied by these finches (2). Furthermore, they are hugely popular for aviary collections as they are such beautiful birds. All these factors have reduced the viable breeding population significantly, and there are at present thought to be only 2,500 mature individuals (3).

A recovery plan is being developed for this endangered bird (2). Ironically, its removal from its natural habitat has led to the creation of secure populations in aviaries worldwide, which may help to save it through captive breeding programmes (3).

For more information on this species see the ‘Birdlife Datazone’.
http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/search/species_search.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=8695&m=1
For further information on birds of Australia see ‘Birds Australia'.
http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk