Gouldian Finch

Erythrura gouldiae

Other Names: Gouldian Grass Finch, Painted Finch, Purple Breasted Finch, Purple-chested Finch, Rainbow Finch.

		DISTRIBUTION: North Australia, where moderately common in places but rare in settled regions. During dry season moves to north of range; during wet season moves south.
Black-headed Gouldian Finches	Distribution Map

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 140 mm

MALE: Wings and back grass-green; rump and upper tail-coverts blue; tail long, black. Crown, lores and ear-coverts black in most birds, dull crimson in a minority and ochre-yellow in rare individuals. Chin and throat black; breast lilac; belly yellow. Eye dark brown; bill ivory with red tip; legs yellow.

FEMALE: Duller than male.

IMMATURES: Dull ash-grey above and brown below; blue nodules around gape.

NESTING.

Breeds December-April. Nest globular-shaped, thin-walled and poorly constructed of harsh dry grass. Sometimes no nest material; situated in hollow in branch of tree or termite mound. Eggs: four to eight; pure white; 17 X 13 mm.

FORMS.

There are three variations of the Gouldian Finch, these are the Red-headed, Yellow-headed and the Black-headed varieties however all three variants can appear in the same flock in the wild and they cannot be classed as subspecies.

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: These birds always use a nest box. I have never seen these birds build nests in tea tree branches and planted trees. Best results have been from boxes 250 mm wide X 180 high X 135 mm deep with a 55 mm square access hole cut at the base of the front. (See the Plans page for more information)

FEEDING: A general finch mix is ideal for this bird. Birds will also readily take seeding grasses and live food. However I have had seen these birds breed successfully with just a mixed seed diet. Egg and biscuit will also be taken readily.

OTHER FEEDS: Cuttlebone and shell grit should be supplied at all times. Charcoal is also readily taken by these birds.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: In colder climates birds need to be protected from cold winds and from the cold in general especially in the breeding season.

AVIARY SPECIFICATIONS.	WIRE MESH: 1/4 x 1/4 or 6 mm x 6 mm	Also known as mouse wire
LENGTH: 11ft 6in or 3575 mm	WIDTH:6ft or 1800 mm	HEIGHT: 8ft or 2400 mm
SHED: Half the aviary should be enclosed. Or in colder climates the entire aviary should be enclosed. These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.	FLOOR: I have found a dirt floor preferable.	OTHER:

BREEDER SUBMISSIONS.
From

[ Home ] [ African Finches ] [ American Finches ] [ Asian Finches ] [ Pacific Finches ] [ Australian Finches ] [ European Finches ]

Gouldian Finch

Erythrura gouldiae

Other Names: Gouldian Grass Finch, Painted Finch, Purple Breasted Finch, Purple-chested Finch, Rainbow Finch.

Black-headed Gouldian Finches

Distribution Map