Description

These small, brightly colored birds have green backs, yellow bellies, and purple breasts, with a light blue uppertail and a cream undertail. Sometimes called lady gouldians, their facial color can vary, but black is the most common, followed by red and the very rare yellow. This facial mask is bordered by a light blue band. The males are more brightly colored than the female, and males ruffle their feathers to show off their colors to impress females. Young gouldian finches lack the bright coloring, appearing more gray and olive in color. The birds inhabit open woodlands near water sources and generally nest in hollowed tree branches. Both parents care for the eggs and the young.