Erythrura gouldiae

Size: Birds Size: 14 cm

Family: Estrildidae (Waxbills, Grass-finches, Mannikins, 19 species in Australia). Sometimes included in Subfamily Ploceinae of Family Ploceidae

Distribution: Within about 500km of the coast of NT and the Northeast parts of WA and the most NW parts of QLD.

Status: Common

Habitat: Varied; dense shrubs interspersed with grass, near water.

References: Simpson and Day, Reader's Digest

About the Gouldian Finch

The Gouldian Finch is one of the most brightly coloured birds in the world. Some have black faces, and some (like the one pictured here) have red faces.

The Gouldian finch is not found naturally in Sydney or the Blue Mountains, but many people keep them as pets. The photo below was from a pet bird kept in a large aviary. I have included it because it is such a beautiful bird.

Photo: Riverstone, Sydney NSW.

Artwork: John Gould, 'The Birds of Australia', 1848. Higher Resolution 651 x 1000.

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces
Australian Wild Plant Foods

Return to Australian Birds