Scientific Name:
Chloebia gouldiae
Distribution
Northern Australia.
Diet:
Grass seeds, occasionally insects.
Facts
Habitat: Grassy open forest.
Incubation: 14-15 days / 4-8 eggs
Social structure: small or large flocks
Weight: 16g max
Dimensions: 15cm
Lifespan: 6-9 under human care
Estimated population in the wild: 5.000-50.000
Threats: Reduction in abundance and variety of grass seeds due to overgrazing and altered fire regimes.
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Did you know that:
- There are three distinct colour variations in the Gouldian finch, with individuals having either a red, black or yellow head. These variations were thought to distinguish three separate species, but it is now known that all three colour variations can occur randomly in the same geographical area.
- The females usually choose a male with the same head coloration.
- Pairs nest in tree hollows, with courtship taking place for months before nesting. Both parents incubate the eggs and help to raise the young.