Gouldian Finch: Habitat, Diet, Price, lifespan & Pics

The Gouldian Finch is a small and colorful bird known for its bright red, green, yellow, and purple feathers. These finches are quiet, social, and usually kept in pairs or groups. They survive in spacious cages with plenty of fresh air and natural light.

The bird lovers often keep them indoors with a temperature-controlled environment, as they’re sensitive to cold. Gouldian Finches enjoy a mix of seeds, greens, and clean water daily.

Images of Gouldian Finch

Price of Gouldian Finch

A Gouldian Finch usually costs between $100 to $300, depending on its color, age, and breeder. Rare color mutations or hand-raised birds may be priced higher.

Characteristics of Gouldian Finch

There are certain features specific for this bird which grab the attention of the people. Here is a list of these specific characteristics of these birds:

Life Span of Gouldian Finch

A Gouldian Finch usually lives around 5 to 8 years in captivity with proper care. The lifespan becomes shorter of 2 to 4 years due to natural threats in the wild environment.

Interesting Facts Related to Gouldian Finch

This bird possess some very interesting facts which are different from other species of birds. Here is a list of some eye-catching facts related to this bird:

1. Choosy for Diet Than You’d Expect

Gouldians need variety and balance while most finches eat anything. They love white millet, but they also require egg food, greens, and added minerals.

American bird owners often provide supplements to prevent vitamin deficiencies. They’re beautiful but a bit high at maintenance when it comes to diet.

2. Prefer Warm and Humid Conditions

Gouldians dislike the cold unlike many finches that handle a range of climates. They mostly inhabut those states where humidity and warmth are higher.

If you’re in colder regions then a heat lamp is a must. This preference makes them a bit special for bird keepers.

3. More Silent Than Most Pet Birds

Gouldians are quieter compared to noisy parakeets or canaries. Their chirps are soft and gentle but are barely audible. They bring color without the noise.

This trait makes them perfect indoor pets for diffrent types of people who prefer silence in their home.

4. They Don’t Build Nests in the Traditional Way

Gouldians often take shortcuts in contrast to many finches that weave beautiful nests. They use tree hollows or even old termite mounds to make a place to live.

They prefer nest boxes or coconut shells in the captivity. They just line it with soft material and call it home. It’s a low-effort and high-comfort approach.

5. Chicks Hatch Nearly Featherless and Marked

Gouldian Finch chicks hatch with almost no feathers and glow under UV light. This is because they have special blue nodules near their mouths to help parents feed them in the dark.

These marks fade as they grow. This is quite different from other small birds whose chicks are fuzzier at birth. It’s nature’s way of helping them survive.

6. Males Sing Only in Courtship

Male Gouldians sing only when trying to impress a female. It’s a quiet and short tune even during this time. It’s more of a romantic whisper than a full performance. That makes their singing rare and special.

7. Display Courtship Dances

The male Gouldian also perform dance in addition to singing. He fluffs up, bobs his head, and hops around the female. This attractive courtship dance is a joy to watch.

The selection of partner takes days which shows how careful these birds are in choosing a mate.

8. Come in Three Face Colors

Most birds stick to one look, but not the Gouldian Finch. These little birds can naturally have red, black, or yellow faces. This rare variety exists even in the wild.

9. Can’t Handle Sudden Stress

A loud noise or sudden cage movement can easily upset a Gouldian. This stress sensitivity is unusual among hardy pet birds. The owners are advised to keep them in quiet rooms.

They live with comfort when handled gently and treated in a stable routine.

10. Need Company But Not Chaos

Gouldians are social, but too many birds stress them out. A pair or trio is best and they don’t like overcrowded cages. They enjoy calm environments with minimal disturbance.

11. Molt Very Dramatically

Gouldians lose their feathers all at once in a big molt. It’s so extreme that first-time owners may worry the bird is sick. They may look patchy or dull during this time.

This process happens once or twice a year and requires extra care along with good diet.

12. Don’t Like to Be Handled

Gouldians aren’t cuddly or hand-tame like parrots. They prefer to stay inside their cages and be observed from a distance. Their eye-catching colors make up for their shy nature.

Sightseeing of Gouldian Finch

These birds are not native to USA, but still found in some regions. Here are certain locations at which these birds can be seen:

Photography Tips for Getting Good Clicks of Gouldian Finch

There are some practical tips to get good clicks of this bird for making amazing memories.

 

• Try photographing Gouldian Finches early in the morning when their colors glow best under soft natural light.

• Use a zoom lens to capture close shots without scaring them away.

• Place a few colorful branches or plants near your feeder to get attractive and natural-looking backgrounds.

• Keep your camera steady with a tripod since these birds move fast and often perch briefly.

Key Takeaways

Gouldian Finch is a unique bird with different attractive colors and selective eating habits. The male partners indulge in different activities like dancing and making voices for attracting their female partners. They are used to living in open spaces with less restrictions and in a friendly environment.

FAQs

1. Are Gouldian Finches good pets in the USA?

Yes, Gouldian Finches make great pets due to their peaceful nature and vibrant colors, but they prefer to live in pairs or groups.

2. How long do Gouldian Finches live?

In the U.S., with proper care, they usually live between 5 to 8 years.

3. What do Gouldian Finches eat?

They mainly eat a seed-based diet, but adding fresh greens, egg food, and supplements helps keep them healthy.

4. Do Gouldian Finches talk or mimic sounds?

No, unlike parrots, Gouldian Finches don’t talk or mimic, but they do chirp softly.

5. Can Gouldian Finches handle cold weather?

No, they’re tropical birds and need a warm indoor environment during cold U.S. winters.