Gouldian Finches are also called Rainbow Finches, they’ve got colors like no other bird in the world.  In 1992, these birds were classified as being Endangered in the Wild which made enthusiasts all the more eager to preserve them.

Native to the tropics of Australia, Gouldian Finches have been protected since a ban was put down on the exportation of them in the 1960s.  Of course, there are professionals who carefully breed them in many countries so they are still available as pets.  However, just because they may be available in your area does not meant that Gouldian Finches are the right birds for you.

Temperament

Gouldians are not recommended for the novice enthusiast.  If you are just starting out as a collector, Society or Zebra Finches would be better suited for you due to their easy-going personalities.  While Gouldians are stunning in appearance, they are not nearly as hardy or easy to care for as the other varieties.

Gouldian Finches do not want to be finger tamed, at all.  Moving the cage around in your house or changes in their environment that they’re used to can be disruptive to them.  These birds are creatures of habit and when changes are forced upon them, they often become stressed and anxious which will weaken their immune system, leaving them more vulnerable to disease.  A good way to keep your bird happy is to buy two of them.  Gouldian Finches prefer to be kept as a pair, like other finches, they are not solitary creatures.

Appearance

With a doubt, it is hard to find another bird more intoxicating in appearance than the Gouldian Finch.  They are vibrantly colored with red, orange or green heads, green or blue backs and white, yellow or purple bellies.  Although color variations are often random, there are three varieties of Gouldian Finches that have naturally-occurring colors being:

• Poephila Gouldiae – These are black-headed finches.
• Poephila Mirabilis – These are red-headed finches.
• Poephila Armitiana – These are yellow-headed finches.

Although both genders have got great colors, the males do tend to be brighter and they also have a center tail feather that is noticeably longer.  Juveniles also have quite distinctive colors and are naked and pink until they are about 12 days old.  Interestingly, the beaks of young Goulds have a phosphorescent blue bead on either side that allows their parents to see them in the dark.

Housing

Out of all finches, this variety requires the largest amount of space for flying purposes. Even though they are only about 5 to 6 inches in length, they need minimum 50 cm to fly.  Gouldian Finches should be housed in a wooden or metal cage or an aviary. Brass is though never recommended because of the toxic properties this material offers.  Always make sure that caging never allows openings larger than one half inch or your birds could get stuck, injured or escape.

Although Gouldian Finches are a little more high-maintenance than other varieties, their unparalleled beauty makes up for the extra effort.  You will find that the males provide a sweet song and their quirky personalities will fill your home with energy.