The Rainbow Finch boasts a bright and eye-catching plumage that features a stunning blend of vibrant shades, including green, yellow, purple, and blue. Its distinct appearance makes it easily recognizable and impossible to miss.
The Gouldian finch, also called the Lady Gouldian finch, Gould’s finch, or rainbow finch, is a unique and colorful passerine bird that exclusively inhabits Australia. These birds are small in size, measuring around 4.7 to 5.9 inches and weighing between 0.49 and 0.53 ounces. The males of this species are vividly colored with shades of black, green, yellow, red, and blue. Their heads can feature colors such as red, black, or yellow, and they have a distinctively bright beak. During their breeding season, the tips of their beaks change color to red, orange, or black.
Even though both male and female birds have bright colors, males tend to be more vibrant. A significant difference between the two genders is that males have purple chests while females have a lighter shade of mauve. Young birds also have unique features with their grey heads, sides, and necks, and olive green backs, wings, and tail feathers.
The cute little birds mentioned here are only found in the northern part of Australia. They have been reported in different areas such as Cape York Peninsula, north-west Queensland, Northern Territory, and Kimberley region in Western Australia.
Did you know that Rainbow finches are a well-liked bird often kept in cages? In the wild, they form colossal flocks consisting of up to 1000-2000 birds, possibly as a way to defend against predators. These colorful birds typically inhabit rough scree slopes with minimal vegetation during the breeding season. However, during the dry season, they tend to roam around more, seeking out sources of food and water.
Similar to their fellow finches, these Rainbow Finches have a diet consisting mainly of seeds. When it comes to breeding, they prefer to consume mature or partially mature grass seeds. During times of drought, they search for fаɩɩeп seeds on the ground.
Rainbow Finches become mature enough to breed just before they turn one year old. In their natural habitat, these birds create their nests in tree holes during the beginning of the dry season when food is abundant. On the other hand, when in captivity, they tend to use nesting boxes made of covered wicker baskets. During this time, male Rainbow Finches perform an impressive courtship dance that catches the eye.
Until 1977, this particular type of finch was caught and sold more frequently than any other finch, primarily for the purpose of being kept as a pet in cages.
As a consequence, the Rainbow finch has been put on the verge of being endangered according to the IUCN index.
Observe and tune in to these feathered creatures located just down below: