Gouldamadine

Gouldamadine

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The Gouldian Finch(Erythrura gouldiae) is an extremely colourful member of the Estrildidae family. It is found exclusively in the north of Australia.

The Gouldamadine is probably one of the most colourful and magnificent birds of all. Its upper body plumage and wings are blue-green in colour, the breast is purple, the belly is yellow and the tail is dark blue to black. The most amazing thing, however, is the colouring of their head. This can vary between black, red and golden yellow. This is why these three colour variants were originally regarded as three different species. Today, however, it is known that all three variants are colour morphs of the Gouldian Madagascar and can mate with each other without any restrictions. This means that they do not even represent different subspecies of the Gouldian Madagascar.

The Gouldian Madagascar uses the open woodlands and savannahs of northern Australia as its habitat. It feeds mainly on various plant seeds and also supplements its diet with small insects. In contrast to many other birds in its habitat, the Gouldamadine also forages in the midday heat, which gives it a clear advantage over other bird species.

The breeding season of the Gouldian Madagascar is between December and June. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass, which is placed in a hole or cavity in a tree. The clutch consists of four to eight eggs, which are incubated equally by both parents for around two weeks. The newly hatched chicks then need another three weeks until they are ready to fledge.

The population of the Gouldian magpie is currently classified as near threatened. The population in the wild is estimated at only around 2500 adult animals. The main reasons for this are the destruction of their habitat and the trade in this colourful bird species. In fact, significantly more Gouldian Madagascans live in captivity, in zoos, with breeders and private owners, than in the wild.