Gouldian Finch

Appearance:

Gouldian finches are small, vividly-colored birds. Adults weigh 14-15 grams. Their necks are a light green, their backs and wings are a blueish color, and the sides of their bodies and abdomens are yellow. Three distinct color variations exist, with individuals having either a red, black, or yellow head. Males have bright purple breast feathers, but females are a lighter, pale purple. Both males and females have a turquoise-colored band around their head.

Diet:

Seeds, particularly grass seeds. 

Reproduction:

Males court females by bobbing their heads and ruffling their feathers to show off their colors to females. After mating, a female will lay four to eight eggs. Both parents help incubate the eggs and raise the chicks once they’ve hatched. Chicks hatch without any feathers, but start growing them around 12 days of age.

Behavior:

Gouldian finches are generally not as noisy as some other species of finches. They communicate via trills, chirps, hisses and clicking sounds. They forage for seeds on the ground, but lay their eggs in tree holes.

Habitat/Range:

Found in the savannah and woodlands of Northern Australia.

Median Life Expectancy:

5 years