Gouldian Finch

Once found across northern Australia in their millions, in recent decades the population of the Gouldian Finch, has declined dramatically to an estimated 2,500 mature individuals. The species now only occurs in small flocks in a few locations in the Kimberley and the Northern Territory, although it is occasionally recorded in Queensland. Gouldian Finches live in tropical savanna woodland amongst the grassy understorey that contains a mixture of their preferred annual and perennial grass species.

Quick Facts

OFFICIAL NAME: Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)
FAMILY: Passeridae (Grassfinches and Mannikins)
NATIONAL CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered
STATE CONSERVATION STATUS: Endangered in NT: Endangered in QLD
SURVIVING POPULATION: 2,500 mature birds

What is AWC doing?

AWC protects one of the largest remaining populations of the Gouldian Finch at Mornington-Marion Downs, as well as smaller populations at Charnley River, Wongalara, Pungalina and possibly Brooklyn. AWC’s field ecologists are undertaking vitally important research which has helped identify what needs to be done to reverse the decline in Gouldian Finches. AWC delivers effective conservation for the Gouldian Finch by implementing effective fire management through prescribed burning and by removing feral herbivores.

Threats to Species

The primary threat to the survival of the Gouldian Finch is altered fire regimes – especially an increase in extensive, hot wildfires in the late dry season. Wildfires reduce the availability of seed at key times during the year and limit the availability of tree hollows for nesting. Other threats include feral herbivores (which selectively graze key grass species). Gouldian Finches can live to more than 5 years of age in the wild, but mortality rates are high in the first year due to these threats. In the past, many birds were captured for the aviary trade although this was banned in the 1980’s.

Description

Adult Gouldian Finches can be one of three different colour varieties: about 70-80% of birds have jet-black faces; 20-30% have scarlet faces; while gold-faced Gouldians are very rare (1 in 3000 birds). These colours exist through genetic variation (similar to the way in which humans can have blue, brown or green eyes).

Range and abundance

Found in tropical savanna woodland, Gouldian Finches eat almost entirely grass seeds, and nest in tree hollows (Snappy Gum or Northern White Gum Eucalyptus brevifolia in the western part of its range and Salmon Gum Eucalyptus tintinnans in the east).