::: ALCON :::

GOULDIAN FINCH

Discovered for the first time by a french expedition that was travelling in the north of Australia in 1833, these beautiful birds captive the Europe and others continents with its colours. The expedition has captured the first three exemplary with a red head and called, agreement with the observed habits, Poephila mirabilis, that translating signifies Poe = herb or gram, phila = lover and mirabilis = marvelous. Some years latter, the ornithologist John Gould observed and captured what considered as another bird, the Gouldian Finch with black head (Amaina gouldiae). In homage to his wife Elizabeth, designer that accompanied him in his expeditions, this bird received the name “Lady Gould” as is known internationally. In middle part of 1877, Ramsay described the Gouldian Finch with orange head (Poephila armitiana), being this bird most difficult to be found in the nature.

They are found in the region of Kimberly, north of the Australia and also in the New Zealand. Normally fly in small groups or in pairs for up to three continued hours searching for water and food, through the forests and swampy regions.

According to biological classification, the Gouldian Finch is divided in Poephila mirabilis with red head, Poephila gouldiae with black head and Poephila armitiana orange head or yellow. Some references call the genus Poephila as Chloebia, being that both are related with these birds. Others still consider Poephila as genus, gouldiae as specie and the subspecies gouldiae (black head), mirabilis (red head) and armitiana (orange or yellow head).

In captivity many variations in the coloring exist, obtained through selective breeding. They are docile and calm and can get to be used to its owner and don’t be frighten when the bowls inside the cage are switched. The Gouldian weigh on average 20 g and they range from 12 to 13 cm of length. With well care they can live up to 10 years.

Reproduction:
The males present more intense colors than females especially in reproductive period. In this period the beak of the males becomes more clearly in relation the contrast with the feathers. The females lay between1 to 5 eggs that are incubated for 15 days in average. Some couples can neglect their own clutches, being necessary to use foster parents such as the Manon. These birds will treat the chicks with devotion until they can become independent, what occurs 45 days after the birth.

Maintenance:
For being birds of horizontal flight, a long birdcage instead of the one high is better. For the maintenance of the Diamond of Gould one with 60 cm of size, 35 cm of width and 40 cm of height as least is a good option. The wooden nest can be vertical with 20 cm of height and 12 cm of the sides, or horizontal with 22 cm of width and 11 cm of size and height. Supply the cage with dry straw, felt leaf of coconut palm and other natural fibers for the nest confection. Always cleans the water and food bowl. Do not put the birdcage in places with airflow and allows water to bath and sun in the morning. Simple cares as these will allow you and your bird to coexist together for much time.

Feed:
alcon Club Pássaros Exóticos (alcon Club Exotic Birds), alcon Club Farinhada – Pássaros Frugívoros e Insetívoros (alcon Club Fruit and Insect Food), alcon Club Farinhada com Ovo para Canários (alcon Club Egg Food for Canaries), alcon Club Papa para Filhotes - Pássaros.