Gouldian Finch

Gouldian Finches display a bright green back, yellow belly, and purple breast. The head colour varies: most individuals have black faces, some have red, and a few rare birds have yellow faces. Males are more vividly coloured than females, while juveniles are mostly dull green with paler underparts. When disturbed, these finches often fly up into trees, showing a flash of green.

Gouldian Finches are the only Australian grassfinch that nests exclusively in tree hollows or termite mounds, with several pairs sometimes sharing a single hollow. They feed mainly on ripe and half-ripe grass seeds throughout the year. Breeding occurs in small colonies, with both parents sharing incubation and care of the young. Clutch size ranges from 4 to 8 eggs. Their populations have declined due to habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and illegal trapping for the pet trade

Gouldian Finches are found in patchy populations across northern Australia, especially in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and parts of Queensland. They inhabit open savanna woodlands and grassy plains, usually near water, as they need to drink several times a day. The best times to observe them are at dawn and dusk when they come to waterholes. During the breeding season, they are often seen in areas with hollow-bearing trees.

The Gouldian Finch was named by John Gould in honor of his wife, Elizabeth Gould, who contributed significantly to bird illustration`.`