Saving the endangered Gouldian finch

Gouldian finch research project
Dr Sarah Pryke
November 2008

The Australian Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is arguably one of the most brilliantly coloured birds in the world, and is also one of the most popular domesticated pet birds, bred by aviculturists throughout the USA, Europe, and Asia.

In stark contrast to the millions of birds estimated to be living in captivity, wild populations have undergone significant population declines, and the Gouldian finch is now one of Australia’s most threatened bird species.  In 1992, the Gouldian finch was listed as ‘endangered’, and has since declined further to the point where the most recent estimates suggest that there are less than 2500 birds remaining in the wild.