Gouldian Finches

Gouldian Finches are only found in the wild in the north of Australia, in specific regions, and they are classed as endangered. But in captivity, their population is increasing, as many bird breeders have success in breeding them in aviaries all over the country, as well as overseas. Our local grain store sells a variety of birds, and today they had a dozen Gouldian Finches there, for $40 each, so we bought a pair. Now $80 might sound like a lot of money, but only a few years ago, it would be more like $180 for a pair of these birds! Ken wasn't going to buy them but I begged him to, as I've always loved the beautiful Gouldian best of all the Finch family. They are so tiny, and their brilliant colours look like they have been painted with a fine paintbrush.

This is the male bird in our aviary. Unfortunately that is the best photo I could get, as these tiny birds are very fast on the wing, and as they had only been in the aviary for an hour or so, they were still very nervous, and wouldn't rest on the perch for more than a few seconds. I hope to get better snaps when the birds have settled down and are used to us.