Behaviour

Gouldian Finches are peaceful, social birds whose behaviour plays an important role in their care and wellbeing.

Introduction

Just as you and I have our own distinct personalities, Gouldian Finches have theirs too. Despite many Gouldians sharing similar colours and patterns, it is rare to find two birds with the same personality. These individual traits strongly influence behaviour, and once you become familiar with a bird’s personality, its behaviour becomes much easier to understand.

Each Gouldian Finch will develop its own likes and dislikes. While it is sometimes assumed that what one Gouldian enjoys will apply to them all, this is often far from the truth. Recognising these individual differences is an important part of responsible care and observation.

Some behavioural traits are typical of the species, while others may be influenced by underlying health issues.

Changes in behaviour such as reduced activity, loss of appetite, increased aggression, excessive quietness, or isolation from the flock should never be ignored. In many cases, these shifts are among the earliest signs that something is wrong, whether due to illness, stress, environmental changes, or social issues within the group.

Observing behaviour regularly allows keepers to recognise what is normal for each individual bird, making it easier to spot potential problems early and respond appropriately.

Vocalisation and Song

Male Gouldian Finches each develop their own individual song, with subtle differences in tone, pitch, and pattern. While females do not sing, they do communicate using a range of sounds. Some of these vocalisations are common across the species, while others are unique to each individual bird.

These individual vocal patterns are believed to play an important role in social bonding and breeding, allowing birds to recognise mates, parents, and flock members. This is particularly important when raising offspring, as young birds learn to identify familiar voices within their environment.

Male songs are generally complex and very quiet, although this can vary depending on the time of year. Young males often learn elements of their song by listening to other birds, and may even incorporate sounds from different species into their own vocal repertoire.

I once kept a young male Gouldian Finch that closely mimicked the song of a male Cuban Finch housed nearby. The imitation was remarkably accurate, matching the pitch, volume, and length of the Cuban Finch’s song. Unfortunately, this bird was later sold by mistake along with a group of juveniles and was never recovered.

As a useful tip, when separating juveniles from breeding stock after six months or more, it is important to double-check that only young birds are being removed. Adult breeding birds can sometimes be mistaken for juveniles, particularly outside of the breeding season.

Recognition of Humans

Gouldian Finches are often underestimated in their ability to recognise individual humans. Through observation and a simple social experiment with my own flock, I was able to confirm that they can distinguish between different people using both visual and vocal cues.

My Gouldian Finches, some of which are hand-reared, are housed in a large aviary within the same room that I live in. I noticed that whenever I stood near the aviary, the birds would approach the wire as if to greet me. To test this behaviour, I asked friends and family members to enter the room individually while I remained absent.

When a friend entered the room alone and stood near the aviary, none of the birds approached. This result was repeated with another friend wearing similar clothing. My brother, who closely resembles me and wore similar clothing, caused the birds to approach the aviary initially, but they quickly moved away once he spoke.

When I later entered the room alone and stood by the aviary, the usual birds gathered at the wire and remained there even after I spoke. Repeating this experiment produced the same results each time, leading me to conclude that the birds were recognising both my face and my voice.

Whenever an unfamiliar person enters the room, the aviary often reacts with noticeable excitement or panic. This further suggests that Gouldian Finches are highly aware of changes in their environment and are capable of recognising familiar humans as part of their daily social landscape.

Head Colour and Behaviour

In Gouldian Finches, head colour plays a significant role in behaviour and social dynamics. Through many years of close observation, I have found clear behavioural differences between black-headed, red-headed, and yellow-headed birds.

Black-headed Gouldian Finches are generally the least aggressive and tend to integrate more easily within mixed groups. Red-headed Gouldians are noticeably more assertive and often prefer higher perching positions within the aviary. Yellow-headed Gouldian Finches, however, have consistently proven to be the most dominant and problematic, particularly during the breeding season.

During breeding periods, I routinely remove yellow-headed Gouldian Finches and house them together in a large separate flight. This significantly reduces aggression and stress among the remaining birds. Separating Gouldians by head colour during breeding also aligns with natural mate selection, as hens typically choose partners with the same head colour.

Mixing different head colours during breeding often leads to reduced egg production, a higher proportion of male offspring, and increased chick mortality. These outcomes suggest that Gouldian Finches instinctively recognise head colour differences in a way similar to species recognition.

While some studies and observations suggest red-headed Gouldian Finches are the most dominant, my own experience has consistently shown yellow-headed birds to display the highest levels of aggression. Overall, behavioural temperament in Gouldians appears to closely reflect head colour, ranging from least aggressive to most aggressive.

Post-Breeding Behaviour and Juvenile Development

After the breeding season ends, activity in the aviary slows down. Male singing becomes quieter and less frequent, and overall aggression decreases significantly.

Juveniles remain with their parents until their first annual moult. This period is crucial for learning social skills, feeding habits, and parenting behaviour. Without the guidance of adult birds, juveniles may develop poor social skills or struggle with future breeding.

Many inexperienced breeders sell juveniles shortly after they leave the nest. These birds often face higher mortality, may become poor parents, or develop behavioural issues. Just as human children benefit from the presence of adults, juvenile Gouldian Finches require time with adult birds to grow into well-adjusted adults.

It is strongly advised never to sell or purchase birds before their first annual moult or during it. This period is the most stressful for Gouldian Finches, as they are at their weakest and most vulnerable.

Privacy and Stress Management

To support the wellbeing of your Gouldian Finches, consider providing privacy or anti-stress perches. These perches are typically wide enough for a single bird and have sides that block other birds from seeing or approaching. They are particularly useful in large aviaries, around chicks that remain close to their parents, or when certain birds are being pestered.

Although Gouldian Finches enjoy being in a flock, they also need periods of solitude to relax. Overcrowded aviaries can elevate stress levels, negatively affecting the mood of all birds and increasing the risk of illness.

Observing birds chasing each other in the aviary does not always indicate aggression; it may simply be play, mate selection, or establishing the pecking order.

Aggression and Post-Breeding Observations

I often observe hens that were once aggressive towards each other during breeding season sitting calmly next to each other once the season has ended. By this time, they usually have little energy to waste on pointless fighting, having already achieved their goal of breeding and no longer needing to protect a nest.

Gouldian Finches can fight fiercely over nesting sites or to defend their nests, displaying concerning signs of aggression when conditions trigger it. However, once breeding is complete, they often become the most placid birds in the aviary.

Some breeders prefer smaller cages for pairs to reduce stress and improve breeding success, while others allow colony breeding where tensions can run high. I adapt my approach based on the personalities of the birds involved.

After a long and stressful breeding season, you may notice one or more birds sitting quietly alone, fluffed up, or appearing larger than normal. These birds should be carefully examined.

If illness is suspected, remove the bird to a hospital cage where it can receive supplemental heat and be closely monitored. Swift removal of potentially sick birds is essential to prevent the spread of illness to healthy birds.

Juveniles require particular attention, as they are often the most susceptible. Prompt treatment usually ensures recovery. From my experience, juveniles with parents of differing head colours are especially at risk from “going light” syndrome.

Adults also need monitoring, particularly if they have raised large clutches or bred multiple times within the year.

Moult and Feather Care

A month or two after their breeding season ends, you may notice that adult plumage appears less vibrant, less tidy, and some birds may show baldness. Baldness is usually observed in hens rather than males and can be caused by genetics, mites, nutrition, or stress.

Feathers generally grow back after the next annual moult, and baldness usually disappears. When moulting begins, it is helpful to note which birds are moulting, the start date, and the finish date. If a bird still shows baldness after the moult, check your notes to confirm that it completed the full moult cycle. Different types of moult affect moods and behaviour, making birds more irritable, less social, and sometimes less active, with some unable to fly properly. During this time, they often prefer solitude and exhibit lower aggression levels.

Birds should have access to fresh bathing water every day, meaning the water must be changed daily and the bath cleaned properly. In winter, they bathe less frequently, but in summer they may bathe multiple times a day. Bathing not only keeps them clean but also helps them cool in hot weather.

Bathing encourages preening, which stimulates the preening gland to produce oil. When this oil is exposed to direct sunlight (UV rays), it is converted into active vitamin D3, which the bird ingests while spreading the oil over its body. This natural process ensures more body coverage for vitamin D3 absorption. Although supplemental vitamin D3 is available for birds without access to sunlight, natural sunlight is always superior.

Communication and Behaviour Signals

After all the years of closely watching the Gouldian Finch species, I have noticed that their tails play an important part in their communication with one another. During mating rituals, tails will point towards each other to show interest. I have also witnessed a male flying onto a perch where another male is already perched and pointing his tail towards him, which appears as a friendly gesture. I have seen similar behaviour with hens, but never aggression linked to tail pointing.

Birds seem to point their tails when greeting each other or showing interest in something, such as their favourite food, bath, or nesting box. When the tail points upwards, it is usually to chase another bird away, when they are stressed, angry, or occasionally when there are general health problems. Males pointing their tails directly downwards usually do so while singing or reaching upwards. A tail in the normal straight position appears neutral. These observations are based on my personal notes, not official documentation.

Gouldian Finches that cling to wires of the cage or aviary too often, or appear to be looking for a way out, usually indicate problems such as a cage that is too small, too dark, too hot or cold, too few perches, boredom, overcrowding, or bullying. This behaviour often shows when a bird is moved from a large flight to a smaller cage. Close observation usually reveals the cause, which should be corrected quickly to prevent stress or illness.

If left too long in these conditions, a finch may become sick or even die. Acting promptly is essential. Juveniles are particularly vulnerable, and from my experience, juveniles with parents of different head colours are most at risk from “going light” syndrome. Adults should also be monitored, especially if they have raised large clutches or bred multiple times within the year.

Stargazing occurs when a finch perches and tilts its head back and forth, sometimes leaning back so far that it falls off the perch. It is often confused with twirling but is unrelated. Several factors can contribute to stargazing, but environmental adjustments usually resolve it quickly. I have never found it to be an illness, and no medication was ever needed. The bird may fall off the perch and climb or fly back repeatedly.

Twirling, unlike stargazing, is more obvious and severe. The head may tilt to odd angles, sometimes upside down, and roll over multiple times while stuck. Twirling is often linked to disease, genetic issues, parasites, viral infection, trauma, injury, or a combination. Birds exhibiting these symptoms should be immediately removed from the flock and isolated in a large, clean cage.

When isolating, perches should be no more than 2 inches high, water dishes on the floor no deeper than 1 cm, and food dishes also on the floor for easy access. This ensures safety and easier recovery.

Health Signs and Parasite Indicators

Constant scratching and beak wiping can indicate that something is wrong, usually a parasite infestation. Refer to the Pests tab for more detailed guidance. Gouldian Finches may perch or sit on the floor scratching for long periods, which can sometimes be confused with preening. Observing closely will show the difference. Birds may also constantly wipe their beaks as if to remove something, which can indicate parasites like mites. Prompt treatment for all birds in the aviary or cage is essential.

Excessive beak wiping and head shaking often suggest parasites or protozoan infestation. Birds may wipe their beaks on perches, cage fronts, or anything available, trying to remove the parasite. Head shaking may also appear. Sometimes birds seem to mash food in their crops as if feeding young, even when no chicks are present, which can indicate bacterial infection or crop parasites. These symptoms can point to mites, bacterial infections, or protozoa.

Wing flipping or twitching is something I have observed in a few birds over the years. It usually results from either stress or vitamin deficiency. Proper supplementation with vitamins and minerals rules out deficiencies, allowing focus on stress factors. Some sources claim this behaviour is genetic, but I believe that is very unlikely. Often, if the cause is unknown, people attribute it to genetics, but real genetic causes are rare.

Constant feet and leg pecking is often caused by Scaly Mites (Knemidokoptes or Cnemidocoptes). These mites are too small to see with the naked eye, but the damage is very visible. They typically affect the beak, eyes, face, toes, feet, and legs, and can also infect feather follicles, causing hard, raised skin. Untreated infestations can cause permanent damage, deformities, or even the loss of limbs or beak.

These mites are also called burrowing mites because they penetrate deep into the skin and feed on the host’s blood. Treatment is possible but may take several months to eradicate completely. Wooden perches usually need replacement, and cages must be sterilized several times a week because mites can hide in wood awaiting a new host. Severe infestations can be fatal as birds may become anaemic. In my experience, total sterilization combined with Moxidectin treatment for 24 hours, repeated every month for 3–4 months, is the most effective. Ivermectin, S76, or Scatt may work, but mites often return, requiring the process to be repeated.

Butt pumping occurs when a bird squats and thrusts its bottom up and down rapidly. Both males and females may display this behaviour. Causes include something stuck around the vent, constipation, sore vent, internal parasites, lower abdominal infection, or buildup of dried droppings around the vent.

Flight, Foot, and Wing Health

Poor or weak flight can be linked to many factors, such as age, illness, moult, lack of food, poor nutrition, feather parasites, or injury. A close examination is essential to identify the cause so that the correct treatment can be applied. I once observed a Gouldian Finch in my flock slowly lose the ability to fly until it could no longer perch. The bird lost weight and eventually died. A few weeks later, two more finches exhibited the same symptoms, lost their flight ability, could not perch, and also died. Later, another four birds had similar issues and died as well. Neither I nor my avian vet could determine the cause, and all tests, including autopsies, revealed nothing. From first symptoms to death, the timeline was approximately five months.

Standing or sitting on one foot for extended periods can indicate scaly mites, foot injury, sore feet from unsuitable perches, bumble-foot/tassel foot, broken bones, cracked skin, overweight, burns, something stuck to the feet, strain to the legs or feet, dislocated leg, pulled muscle, or issues with the toes. Always check the bottom of the bird’s feet during examinations, as their weight is constantly on them. The legs and feet are among the first things I examine closely.

Constant pecking at the same wing may indicate a wing injury. Look for drooping, poor flight, or growths on the wing. Sometimes feathers fail to grow properly, or feather cysts develop, causing discomfort. Gently extend the wing to inspect both sides for lumps, broken bones, blood, scratches, bruising, or anything unusual. Pecking at both wings can indicate injury or a mite/lice infestation. Wings that appear droopy could also indicate illness, stress, depression, or a feeling of confinement. Birds that have just bathed may temporarily show droopy wings, but this usually resolves as the feathers dry.

In addition, beak and head behaviour can indicate health issues. Constant scratching or beak wiping often signals parasites such as mites or protozoa. Birds may scratch as if preening, but careful observation reveals a difference. Head shaking or rubbing the beak on perches may indicate attempts to remove parasites. Wing flipping or twitching is sometimes caused by stress or vitamin deficiency. Proper supplementation can rule out nutritional causes, allowing you to focus on environmental stressors. Some websites claim genetic causes for these behaviours, but from experience, true genetic causes are rare.

Feet and leg pecking is often caused by scaly mites (Knemidokoptes or Cnemidocoptes). These mites are too small to see with the naked eye, but the damage is visible — around the beak, eyes, face, toes, legs, or even feather follicles. Left untreated, they can cause permanent damage, deformities, or loss of limbs or the beak. Known as burrowing mites, they feed on blood and can be eradicated through sterilisation of cages and perches, combined with treatments like Moxidectin, Ivermectin, S76, or Scatt, repeated over several months. Full eradication requires diligence and repeated cycles.

Butt pumping is when the bird squats and thrusts its bottom up and down rapidly. Both males and females may show this behaviour, which usually indicates something is stuck around the vent, constipation, sore vent, internal parasites, or build-up of dried droppings. Prompt observation and treatment are essential.

'Going Light' and Shivering

If you find your Gouldian Finch eating when it is dark—after lights out or at sundown—when it is almost impossible to see, something may be wrong. Birds that are losing weight due to Avian Gastric Yeast, internal parasites, protozoa, or even a blockage will eat constantly without gaining weight. In fact, they continue to lose weight. This condition is known as 'Going Light'.

There are many causes of 'Going Light', but they will not be discussed here. I have observed it more often in juveniles that have not yet undergone their annual moult, and in adults that have been deprived of a balanced diet throughout their lives. Birds that are eating non-stop and losing weight should be placed in a hospital cage immediately, offered supplemental heat, and assessed by a veterinarian or an experienced handler.

The same applies to the opposite scenario, where a bird refuses to eat or drink and is losing weight. Prompt attention is essential in both cases to prevent serious health consequences.

Shivering is something I rarely see in my birds due to how mine are kept, but I have read reports from other breeders who have observed it. Chicks raised in cold conditions may shiver later in life and struggle to maintain their body heat.

Experienced breeders report that providing a heat lamp encourages the bird to sit under it for long periods each day. Unfortunately, some people breed Gouldian Finches outdoors in freezing conditions or snow, believing that because the adults survived the cold, the chicks will be fine. In reality, it is the offspring that suffer the most.

Gouldian Finches are native to Queensland, Australia, where snow is extremely rare. Chicks raised in cold conditions often experience lifelong difficulty staying warm. Acclimatising a species from one climate to another takes thousands of years; it cannot be achieved in a few years. While Gouldian Finches can tolerate brief cold spells, prolonged exposure can be dangerous.

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