Gouldian Finch is one of the most colorful pet birds. In this article you'll find information about its personality, types, diet, lifespan and breeding habits.
Gouldian Finches, also known as Lady Gouldian Finches or Rainbow Finches, are a popular species of finch that are highly prized for their vibrant and varied colors.
Gouldian Finch took its name after Lady Elizabeth Gould in 1841. Her husband, who was an ornithologist, named this finch Gouldian due to its beautiful seamless and magnificent plumage, as it was reminding him the beauty of his wife.
The natural habitat of Gouldian Finch is Australia’s meadows. During the 60's a huge number of finches had been trapped in order to been exported globally something that led to an important reduction of their population.
Fortunately, they can be bred in captivity, a fact that reduces the danger of their extinction.
Finch types and colors
There are three main types of Gouldian Finches, which are determined by their head color:
1. Red-headed Gouldian Finch: As the name suggests, this type of Gouldian Finch has a bright red head.
2. Black-headed Gouldian Finch: This type of Gouldian Finch has a black head and a purple-blue chest.
3. Yellow-headed Gouldian Finch: This type of Gouldian Finch has a yellow head and a green back.
In addition to these three main types, there are also several mutations of Gouldian Finches, which have different colors and patterns. These include:
Blue-bodied Gouldian Finch: This mutation has a blue body instead of the typical green body.
Dilute Gouldian Finch: This mutation has a washed-out, pastel coloration.
White-breasted Gouldian Finch: This mutation has a white chest instead of the typical purple-blue chest.
Pied Gouldian Finch: This mutation has patches of white or yellow on its body.
Silver Gouldian Finch: This mutation has a silver-grey body color.
Size and Lifespan
Gouldian Finches are small, colorful birds that typically measure between 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in length from beak to tail.
They weigh around 0.5 to 0.7oz (15 to 20 grams) . They have a slender build with a relatively long, pointed tail and a small, triangular beak.
Gouldian finches usually live between 5 to 8 years in captivity. Although, their lifespan can be affected by their living conditions, diet and stress.
Personality
Behavior and Traits
Gouldian Finches are easy going and social birds!
They like socializing with other finches. However, they don’t prefer close attachment with humans.
If you are an owner of a Gouldian Finch, you should try to make your pet feel comfortable with your presence. A good way is to speak or sing frequently at your bird in order for it to get used to your voice.
Are they good pets?
They can be good birds to have in your house as long as you take care of their needs and sensitivities.
They are pleasant companions due to their delightful presence and peaceful sounds. Your house will acquire colors, relaxing notes and a sense of wild Australia’s nature!
Are they suitable for beginners?
These birds are highly sensitive. Usually they prefer specific temperature to live properly.
Northern Australia’s climate is typically dry and warm most months of the year. That’s why they don’t prefer cold weather.
The ideal temperature a Gouldian finch can leave is about 68° F (20°C). You should also make sure that their cage is located in a place where natural sun-light and shade are been provided simultaneously.
Gouldian Finches are easily prone to anxiety, and they need special treatment frequently.
For these reasons, they're not a best choice for a beginner bird parent!
Make sure to request help or advice from an expert in order to ensure your finch’s good health status and the best living conditions.
Are they noisy?
If you are thinking about the noise that your finch may do, don’t worry!
They are usually quiet birds. They peep or sing with calm and low volume sound. Undoubtedly, they will not cause you noise problems during your sleep or throughout your day.
Can you tame a Gouldian finch?
Gouldian finches don’t like to be held. They are very sensitive and actions or behaviors that can cause them stress may be fatal to these birds.
Most of the times, the best thing you can do to enjoy their company is to appreciate your bird’s appearance and sounds without bothering it or trying to touch it.
Food and care
Diet
Most finches are herbivores. Gouldian finches, prefer grass seeds or small insects.
In captivity, it is important to provide a balanced diet that mimics their natural diet.
A high-quality finch seed mix should form the basis of their diet. This can be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, spinach, apples, cherries, bananas, strawberries and other kind of berries as well.
It is also important to provide a source of animal protein, which can be offered in the form of boiled egg or mealworms. It is crucial to make sure that the birds always have access to fresh, clean water.
Living environment
Gouldians are nomadic and not migrant birds. They are are very social and like to fly in flocks with at least 1000 more finches.
So, in order to enhance their social and friendly character, its preferable to be kept as two or more.
Keeping them in small cages can cause stress and lead to health issues. If you want to keep Goudian finches as pets, it is best to provide them with a large aviary where they can fly and socialize.
Provide multiple perches, food, and water dishes to avoid conflicts. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian or an experienced bird breeder to ensure the best care for your pet birds.
Some indicative dimensions are 30 inches (76cm) long, 20 inches (50cm) high and 20 inches (50cm) wide. Dimensions depend on your finches’ number; the more birds you have the bigger cage you need to buy!
Male-Female
If you are wondering about the way to understand the Gouldian finch’s gender, there are some clear sings!
First of all, males have brighter plumage colors than females. For example, male’s chest is deep purple and female’s is lighter. Secondly, only males can sing! The song usually lasts a few seconds. Males can sing in daily basis, but females may rarely compose some simple notes too.
Breeding in captivity
In order to breed them in captivity, firstly, you should provide to them a comfortable nest box. Secondly, its advisable to have two healthy and energetic finches.
Usually, the best bird’s age of breed is between 1 or 2 years old. The mating season starts from spring till the end of summer. More often, only 2-3 clutches can be raised successfully and have a healthy status.
For successful breeding results, its important to offer more small insects to your finches as to get the recommended protein and micro-nutrient intake. Also, there are some specialized supplements that enhance even more your bird’s health if its needed.
Gouldian Finch Price
Gouldian finches usually cost about 100$ each one. Although, this price depends on their color appearance, health status, even if they can sing or not.
Viki says
So much information on the Gouldian finch and nothing about where is it nature to.
Viki says
*Native to