A FLEDGLING GOULDIAN FINCH STUDY

​We tend to think of Gouldian Finches (Erythrura gouldiae) as being very rare and elusive in Queensland these days, consistent with their Endangered status for the state. So, it came as some surprise for Patrick de Geest and I to find a concentration of over 100 Gouldian’s “on our doorstep” here in North Queensland. That day was going to be the very last day for surveying finches as part of a Northern Gulf finch project, but that suddenly changed!

This wet season concentration comprised birds in adult plumage and observations of courtship and nest inspections indicated that they were close to nesting. This situation provided the incentive for us to undertake further study to help understand what makes Gouldian’s tick locally. With the help of funding and admin support from BLNQ, Wettenhall Environment Fund, BL Australia and North Queensland Natural History Group, plus field support from several volunteers and landowners, we have been able to pinpoint some breeding areas. Key questions we ask are:

1. What are the broad habitat characteristics and grazing and fire regimes of the areas being utilised by Gouldian Finches compared with those of areas not being used? (in NW Australia Gouldian’s use areas where perennials have had long fire-free periods)

2. What are the seasonal foods of Gouldian’s at the site including during nesting and in late dry season (e.g. do they include Triodia which is a transition grass for Gouldian’s between Sorghums and wet season grasses in NW Australia, or do annuals provide that transition here?)
 
3. Is breeding at this NQ site successful? Given Gouldian Finches are believed to be short-lived, a viable population will require significant productivity.

4. Are there other Gouldian concentrations in the wider area/neighbouring stations? 

Supplementary questions relate to nest sites, colour morphs and the habitats of Masked Finch and Black-throated Finches

To date, we have found 13 families with dependent young and the number of young seen suggests a more than adequate breeding success (see Fig below). 

A recently fledged juvenile being fed by a parent in April 2018

Researcher, Patrick, at a Gouldian night roosting tree

A key aspect is determining the habitat characters and quality with 5 or 6 grass species appearing to be pivotal for Gouldian’s locally, but others may also prove to be important.

Gouldian Finch feeding on Digitaria bicornis, a key wet season grass

​Species associations of Gouldian Finches with Wood-swallows appear to play key symbiotic roles and also helps us to locate finch concentrations 

Black-faced Wood-swallows and Gouldian Finches often associate

​We are examining the composition and dynamics of species associations to help interpret potential benefits. For instance, associations with alert birds may be beneficial for the early detection of and avoidance responses to predators, including feral cats. Camera traps are revealing potential threats around the drinking areas.

Feral cats hunt around the same pools used by Gouldian Finches for drinking