Gouldian Finch

Gouldian Finch

Scientific name: Chloebia gouldiae
Family: Estrildidae
Order: Passeriformes
Class: Aves

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Length: 130-140mm, or 5-5". There are three distinct color variations among the Gouldian Finches: the red-headed, the black-headed, and the yellow-headed. The variations of color are predominantly evident on the heads of the finches. Though these were once thought of as differing species, it is realized now that the variations are clearly linked to color alone. All three color variations couple randomly, and are found intermixed in the same geographic areas. The variations are as follows: The red-headed male has mostly green wings fringed in brown. Its posterior and upper tail feathers are blue with the remaining tail feathers being black. It has the distinctive red cheeks, lores and forehead depicted by its name, with the top of its neck baring a fleck of black which is traced in blue. The chest is a light purple, edged with a narrow orange-yellow streak. Below the chest the remaining portion of the abdomen is lush yellow, and beneath the tail is a splash of white. Its grayish-white beak is curiously tipped with red. The yellow legs and feet are typical. Its eyes are deep brown. The male black-headed form (as is evident in its name) only varies from the red-headed form concerning head, lores, cheeks, and ear-coverts which are black. Similarly, the yellow-headed male form is yellow in these same areas. Like many finches, the Gouldian has a stout parrot like bill. Its two medial tail feathers are long, ending in a point. The color variations of the this finch tend to be its most striking characteristic. This is true both in color vitality, and in the way the edge of one color is clearly defined from the next as though artificially applied.

The difference between sexes seems to be typical when considering many species of birds, in that the females are less pretentious due to the lackluster or drabness in their coloring. This might be considered a mating related difference, so that the male can more easily attract females. Another interpretation concerning color variation might be affixed to survival of the brood; the brightly colored male might attract the attention of a potential predator, thus luring it from the nest.

The juveniles are also recognizable due to color differences. Their heads, sides and necks are ashy-gray, changing to an olive green on the backs, wings and tail feathers. These have underlying brownish-black feathers which are fringed in a yellowish tone, and have inner feathers that are a burnished white. The under-surface of their bodies are an ash-brown, paler on chin, middle of the breast and under the tail feathers. The upper portion of the beak is blackish with cream colored bumps, while the lower portion is reddish-white and tipped red. Their legs and feet are light brown, and the eyes are brown.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

Gouldian Finches occur in tropical northern Australia from about Derby to the eastern side of the Gulf of Carpentaria to around the area of Charters Towers. This species appears to be migratory throughout its range, moving more southerly in the rainy season and reappearing in the northern regions for the dry months. The numbers of Gouldian Finches have drastically decreased since the onset of the twentieth century, and they are very rarely found east of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Gouldian Finches natural habitat is the tropical savannah woodland. They select open plains with dispersed groups of tall trees, or the fringes of mangroves and thickets, and tend to always be near water.

BEHAVIOR:

Gouldian Finches are apprehensive birds generally evading populated areas. A relatively quiet bird, the Gouldian has a high pitched call that can not be heard over long distances. They have hisses, clicks and weakened whines for their songs. There is an occasional sharp modification of the normal call when startled. Additionally, there is an intimate call when in the nest that sounds like a foundling's wiwiwiwi. During the courtship ritual the male commences with beak-wiping, bobbing, showing off his brilliant colors by ruffling his feathers and holding his body and tail erect. At the same time he expands his chest and fluffs the forehead feathers. The female will often do a bit of beak-wiping during the ritual. Much of the courtship takes place on a limb, sometimes followed by copulation in the nest. Both parents brood over the nest during the day, and the female sits the eggs at night (unless in captivity, then both are seen brooding during day and night). There is always one parent with the nest, they relieve one another with the nesting call. Additionally, the care of the young is carried out by both parents. The Gouldian is a hole nester, using termite mounds and hollow trees as sites for their nests. The nest tend to simple with no roof, thin walls and may even be found in tall grasses. The nests are generally near water. They usually breed in the second part of the rainy season, when there is plenty of food such as grass seed and insects. Gouldian Finches are extremely social birds. They continue social life even when breeding, and even share hollowed out segments in the same tree. They are often found in flocks of several hundred.

DIET:

Gouldian Finches are not ground feeders and favor foraging from upright grasses. Semi-ripe to ripe grass seeds are a major part of the Gouldian Finches' diet. They also eat a variety of insects including beetles, termites, flies, flying ants, and spiders along with their prey right from the web. They drink by sucking.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Gouldian Finches bear up to three broods in succession, amassing 4 to 8 eggs per clutch. Though they bear more young, they do not seem to have higher numbers than other grass finches. This may be due to their vibrant coloration, and the likelihood that this makes them easy prey. Newly hatched, the Gouldian foundlings have no fleece and are bare until approximately the 12th day when their primaries begin to protrude. They leave the nest at three weeks and begin their first molt at about 6-8 weeks, Molting can last for several months and sometimes can extend into first year's early courtship activities. The molt may also be delayed until the end of breeding activities. Some breed while still being fed by their parents, which may indeed increase their breeding capabilities. This is helpful especially because the Gouldian Finch experiences a high rate of predation.

CONSERVATION STATUS:

Chlobiae gouldiae is endangered in its natural habitat, however it is secure in captivity as a result of its being one of the world's most prized aviary birds. Its own beauty seems to be the cause of its status in the wild because ensnarement of the Gouldian Finch for avicultural trade is listed as a top reason for its decline. Fire is also listed as a jeopardizing agent to their natural populations.