This kaleidoscopic songbird, sometimes called the rainbow finch, lights up Australia's northern grasslands with its spectacular mix of purple, green, yellow, and scarlet feathers.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Gouldian Finch is a strikingly colourful bird known for its vibrant plumage. Males display a rainbow of colours, with a bright red or black head, green back, purple chest, and yellow underparts. Their wings are adorned with blue and black feathers.

Females are generally less vibrant, with pale green or yellow heads. Juveniles have dull olive-grey plumage, gradually developing adult colours as they mature. All birds have a distinctive white beak, often with a reddish tip.

Size

Length

13cm to 14cm

Wingspan

13cm to 15cm

Weight

14g to 20g

Colours

Primary Colour

Red Green Blue

Secondary Colour

Yellow Purple Black

Beak Colour

White Red

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Gouldian Finches are native to the tropical savannahs of northern Australia, ranging from the Kimberley region of Western Australia to the Gulf Country of Queensland. They prefer open woodland areas with a grassy understory, often near water sources.

Their distribution is patchy and has contracted significantly over the past century. They are non-migratory but may move locally in response to food availability and seasonal changes in vegetation.

Elevation Range

Up to 370 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

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Resident

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 35
Adaptability 70
Aggressiveness 40
Endurance 65

Diet

Gouldian Finches primarily feed on grass seeds, particularly sorghum and spinifex. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects and their larvae, providing additional protein.

They have a unique adaptation in their beak structure that allows them to efficiently husk and consume small seeds.

Behaviour

Gouldian Finches are social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They are primarily ground feeders, hopping along the savanna floor to forage for seeds.

During the day's heat, they seek shelter in the shade of trees or shrubs, becoming more active in the cooler morning and evening hours.

Vocalisation

Gouldian Finches have a soft, pleasant vocalisation consisting of quiet twitters and whistles. Their song is a series of rapid, high-pitched notes often described as 'ssit-ssit-ssit' or 'tseee-tseee-tseee'.

During courtship, males produce a more elaborate, warbling song to attract females.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding typically occurs from February to August, during the late rainy season and early dry season. Gouldian Finches form monogamous pairs and engage in elaborate courtship displays, including bowing and tail quivering.

Nests are built in tree hollows or tall grass tussocks, constructed from grass stems and lined with soft materials. Females lay 4-8 white eggs per clutch.

Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, and both parents share duties. The chicks fledge after approximately 20 days but continue to be fed by their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 5 - 8 years
0
3
5
8
10

years

The Gouldian Finch typically lives for 5 to 8 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

Although listed as Least Concern, the Gouldian Finch faces threats due to habitat loss and degradation.

Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring their native grassland habitats in northern Australia. Captive breeding programs also contribute to maintaining population numbers and genetic diversity.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

25,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for Gouldian Finches near water sources in savanna habitats
  • Listen for their soft, melodious whistles and twitters
  • Observe them in the early morning or late afternoon when they're most active
  • Use binoculars to spot their vibrant colours from a distance
  • In Australia, visit northern tropical areas for the best chance of sightings

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Lady Gouldian Finch, Rainbow Finch

Family:

Estrildidae

Predators

Main predators include snakes, birds of prey such as kestrels and goshawks, and introduced mammals like feral cats.

Did You Know?

  1. Gouldian Finches have three distinct head colour morphs: red, black, and yellow (rare).
  2. They were named after Elizabeth Gould, wife of the ornithologist John Gould.
  3. These finches can drink water without raising their heads, a rare ability among birds.

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References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2022. Chloebia gouldiae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22719744A211561819.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2020: BirdLife Australia