Gouldian finch
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| Gouldian Finch | |
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| Species: | E. gouldiae
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| Binomial name | |
| Erythrura gouldiae (Gould, 1844)
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Chloebia gouldiae | |
The Gouldian Finch, Erythrura gouldiae (or Chloebia gouldiae), also known as the Lady Gouldian Finch, Gould's Finch or Rainbow Finch , is a colourful passerine bird endemic to Australia. There is strong evidence of a continuing decline, even at the best-known site near Katherine in the Northern Territory. Large numbers are bred in captivity, particularly in Australia. For instance, in the state of South Australia alone National Parks & Wildlife Department permit returns in the late 1990s showed that over 13,000 Gouldians were being kept by aviculturists. If extrapolated to an Australia-wide figure this would result in a total of over 100,000 birds. In 1992 it was classified as ENDANGERED in the wild under criteria C2ai. This was due to the fact that a: the viable population size was estimated to be less than 2,500 mature individuals and b: no permanent subpopulation was known to contain more than 250 mature individuals and finally c: that a continuing decline was observed in the number of mature individuals. It is currently subject to a conservation program.
Taxonomy
The Gouldian Finch was described by British ornithological artist John Gould in 1844 and named after his wife Elizabeth. It is also known in America as the Rainbow, Gould, or Lady Gouldian Finch (although Mrs Gould did not hold the title Lady). In Australia it is always called Gouldian Finch. It is a member of the weaver-finch family Estrildidae, which is sometimes considered a subfamily of Passeridae.
Prior to the Australian government ban on the export of Australian fauna in 1959, Gouldian Finches were exported worldwide. These birds have resulted in viable breeding populations being held in many countries.
Captive breeding has resulted in a number of colour mutations being established. These include blue-back, pastel, silver, yellow-back, white-breasted and even pure white.
Description
Both sexes are brightly coloured with black, green, yellow, red and other colours. The females tend to be less brightly coloured. One major difference between the sexes is that the male's chest is purple, while the female's is a lighter mauve colour.
Gouldian Finches are about 130–140 mm long. Gouldian Finches' heads may be red, black, or yellow. People used to think they were three different kinds of finches, but now it is known that they are colour variants that exist in the wild.[1] Selective breeding has also developed mutations (blue, yellow and silver instead of green back) in body colour and breast colour.
Juveniles have distinctive colours. Their heads, sides and necks are grey, and their backs, wings and tail feathers are olive green. Their undersides are pale brown. Beaks are blackish with a reddish tip. Their legs and feet are light brown. Newly hatched Gouldian finches are pink and naked until about 12 days old when the beginnings of feathers start to appear. Very young birds also have blue, phosphorescent beads on the sides of their beaks to help their parents see them in the dark.
Distribution and habitat
This bird is found in northern Australia: the Cape York Peninsula through north-west Queensland and the northern Northern Territory to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Their habitat is tropical savanna woodlands. The birds are nomadic within a relatively small area [ approx40 sq kilometers and only move when water or food become scarce.
Conservation status
The numbers of Gouldian Finches have decreased quite dramatically during the 20th century. Their habitat has been reduced or altered. Early research indicated a parasite called air sac mite, was responsible for the decline of the Gouldian. This is no longer considered to be a major factor. In general, Gouldian Finches are susceptible to diseases and viral infections. Their beautiful colours mean that they are easily caught by predators. Fires are listed as the number-one threat to the natural populations. The total number of Gouldian finches altogether is not low, however, because they are among the most popular pet birds, and are bred in captivity for the pet trade.
Actions have been taken and are underway to implement a recovery plan to recover and conserve its natural habitats, such as building protective fencing to prevent damage by cattle. Attempts at reintroduction have so far proved unsuccessful; It was also suggested to develop management guidelines for land-holders about appropriate land management, promoting the recovery programme and Gouldian Finches conservation. More information may be obtained from www.savethegouldian.org/
Behaviour
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Although often bred in a colony in captivity, in the wild the Gouldian is not a colony bird. However, out of the breeding season it gathers in flocks often a mixed flock consisting of Longtail Finches, Masked Finches and Gouldians. This is probably a defence against predation. Flocks used to consist of up to 1000–2000 individuals. During the breeding season they are usually found on rough scree slopes where vegetation is sparse. In the dry season they are more nomadic and will move to wherever there is food and water.
Feeding
Like other finches, the Gouldian Finch is a seed eater. During the breeding season, Gouldian Finches feed mostly on ripe or half-ripe grass seeds of Sorghum Spc. During the dry season they forage on the ground for fallen seed. During the wet season, Spinifex grass seed [Triodia Spc] is an important component of their diet. So far Gouldians have been recorded as consuming 6 different species of grass seed but during crop analysis researchers have never so far found insects.
Breeding
Gouldian finches generally make their nests in holes in trees, generally within a kilometre or so of water. They usually breed in the early part of the dry season, when there is plenty of food around. The male courtship dance is a fascinating spectacle. When a male is courting a female, he bobs about ruffling his feathers to show off his colours. He expands his chest and fluffs out his forehead feathers. After mating, a female lays a clutch of about 4–8 eggs. Both parents help brood the eggs during the daytime, and the female stays on the eggs at night. When the eggs hatch, both parents help care for the young. Gouldian Finches leave the nest at between 19 and 23 days and are independent at 40 days old.
Young Gouldians are very fragile until their final moult. Some breeders believe parent-raised Gouldians have greater success rearing young than those fostered by other species, such as society or spice finches.
It has been shown scientifically that female finches from Northern Australia are controlling the sex of their offspring, according to the head colour of their male counterpart. Gouldian Finches should not be mated with Gouldian Finches of a different head colour (black-head with red-head etc.) as such a mating will result in an imbalance in the sex ratio of the young, with a greater proportion of male offspring being produced.[2][3][4]
Aviculture
They need premium finch food, fresh water every day, gravel, a cuttlebone, perches, vitamins (the blue-blacked ones can not produce their own vitamin A, they especially need vitamins in their soft food. Water should be changed every day. Gravel should be replaced once a month and whole cage should be cleaned and disinfected. The Gouldian finch can be difficult to breed outside its native climate of Australia but does well when given the right conditions. Grit and cuttlebone are an important component of a finches diet. Many mutations occur in aviculture. Yellow, dilute, blue, silver, white and even albino gouldian finches.
Trivia
Gouldian finches are used as the ViewSonic logo, comprising of three birds perched on a greenish branch.
References
- ^ Southern H.N. (1945) Polymorphism in Poephila gouldiae. J. Genet. 47:51–157. PDF
- ^ Finch head colour affects sex of chicks — Australian Broadcasting Corporation 20 March 2009, retrieved on 20 March 2009.
- ^ Finch hair colour affects mating outcome — ABC Science Australian Broadcasting Corporation 20 March 2009, retrieved on 20 March 2009.
- ^ Catalyst: Finches — ABC Science 4 June, 2009, retrieved on 9 June 2009
Gouldian finches are used as the ViewSonic logo, comprising of three birds perched on a greenish branch.
In the 1992 movie Batman Returns, the bird Catwoman puts in her mouth is a Gouldian finch.
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