Gouldian Finch
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Erythrura gouldiae or the Gouldian Finch
This beautiful little bird was once widespread through the grassy subcoastal woodlands of northern Australia, from the Kimberleys to Cape York Peninsula. Sadly, due to frequent burning of their feeding grounds and the spread of a mite from the farming of cereal crops, the Gouldian Finch occurs in just half their previous range. They are almost gone from around the Gulf and Cape York and the remaining colonies contain far fewer birds than before human interference. Gouldian Finches are kept widely as pets, and bred in an array of amazing colours.
The Gouldian Finch likes to feed on seeding grasses, not on the ground but by climbing the vertical grass spikes and picking out the grains. They also enjoy flying ants, and are experts at catching these in midair. When the ants are flying these finches become almost entirely insectivorous. They are social birds, living together in small to large flocks. They are the only Australian finch to nest exclusively in tree hollows or termite mounds. They will often nest together, with up to 6 pairs sharing a single tree. The parents share the nest duties, but only the female sleeps in the nest at night. They will often rear 2 or 3 broods in each season.
Did you know...
- The Gouldian Finch bird was once widespread through the grassy subcoastal woodlands of northern Australia, from the Kimberley to Cape York Peninsula.
- Sadly, due to frequent burning of their feeding ground sand the spread of a mite from the farming of cereal crops, gouldian finches occur in just half their previous range.
- Gouldian Finches are kept widely as pets, and bred in an array of amazing colours.
- Gouldian Finches like to feed on seeding grasses, not on the ground but by climbing the vertical grass spikes and picking out the grains.
- They also enjoy flying ants, and are experts at catching these in midair.
Where in Australia is the abode of Gouldian Finch:
