About Erythrura gouldiae (Gould, 1844)
Both male and female Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae) are brightly marked with black, green, yellow, and red patches. Females are generally less brightly colored than males. The most notable sex difference is in chest color: males have purple chests, while females have a lighter mauve chest. Adult Gouldian finches measure between 125–140 mm (4.9–5.5 inches) in total length. Wild individuals can have heads that are red, black, or yellow. These three head colors were once thought to belong to three separate finch species, but they are now confirmed to be naturally occurring color variants within this single species found in the wild. Selective breeding in captivity has produced additional new color mutations, including blue, yellow, and silver body and breast colors that replace the species' typical green back color. At the back of the gape, Gouldian finches have several prominent, rounded tubercles that have an opalescent sheen. Despite frequent incorrect claims that these tubercles are phosphorescent, a large body of scientific evidence contradicts this. Researchers conclude the tubercles only reflect light and are not actually luminescent. Gouldian finches are native to northern Australia, primarily found in the Kimberley region and the Northern Territory. Before the Australian government banned exports of native Australian wildlife, this species was exported around the world, and this trade has led to sustainable, viable captive breeding populations in many countries outside its native range.
