GOULDIAN FINCH
Erythrura gouldiae
DESCRIPTION
The Gouldian Finch is one of Australia’s most colourful birds. Adults have brilliant combinations of green, purple, yellow and blue, with naturally occurring black, red or yellow head colours. Despite their striking appearance, these colours are completely natural.
WHERE IT LIVES
Gouldian Finches live in tropical northern Australia, particularly in open eucalypt woodland with a grassy understorey. They need access to water and suitable grasses for feeding. During the breeding season they rely on hollows in trees for nesting.
WHAT IT EATS
Gouldian Finches mainly eat grass seeds. Their diet changes with the seasons as different native grasses produce seed. During the breeding season they may also eat small insects, which provide extra protein.
QUICK FACTS
Gouldian Finches occur naturally only in Australia.
• They can have black, red or yellow heads.
• Black-headed birds are the most common in the wild.
• They nest in tree hollows rather than building exposed nests.
• Both parents help care for their young.
• They often gather in groups around water and good feeding areas.
• The species declined greatly in the past and remains a conservation priority in northern Australia.
PETE'S PHOTO STORY
The Gouldian Finch is one of those birds that I never get tired of photographing. Its colours are extraordinary, especially when you see one sitting amongst the grasses in the natural landscape. For this photograph I was able to capture the bird perched amongst the grass stems with a seed head in its bill. These little moments show more than just the beauty of the bird—they also show how closely its life is connected to the native grasses and changing seasons of northern Australia.