Gouldian Finch

other names

Rainbow Finch
Gouldian Grass-Finch
Painted Finch
Purple-Breasted Finch
Purple-Chested Finch
Scarlet-Headed Finch

Diet and Migration

Gouldian Finches feed on many types seeding grasses. They are experts at catching flying ants in midair! when it is breeding season they mostly eat insects. This is has a lot of protein

Gouldian Finches do migrate to go to places where food is plentiful.

Breeding and Caring For Young

Gouldian Finch's are the only Australian finch species that nest in hollows in trees or termite mounds! However they are very bad at making nests. Up to six pairs will nest in a single tree, some in the same hollow together! Both parents take in turns to incubate the eggs. Only the mother will sleep in the nest at night! Poor dad.

Former Habitat and Threats

They were once widespread and found throughout northern Australia, from Kimberleys to Cape York Peninsula.Now it only has half the range it use to! Some areas they use to live they no longer live there . They even use to in the Kimberleys and Arnhem Land. One threat to their survival is bird trappers for the bird trade. Another is feral animals competing for food and use of pesticides.

Image Credits