What Does the Gouldian Finch Eat?

The Gouldian Finch is a vividly colored bird that is native to Northern Australia and is classified as an endangered species due to raplidly declining population numbers. The Austraila Government's Department of Environment and Heritage estimates that only approximately 2500 adult Gouldian Finches exist in the wild. The adult bird is approximately 5.5 inches in length. Eating a variety of seeds and vegetables, Gouldian Finches require a variety of foods to keep them healthy.

  1. Seeds

    • Gouldian Finches prefer smaller seeds like millet and niger as staples to their diets. While seeds can make up most of a Gouldian Finch's diet, they cannot provide the complete nutrition required for maximum health.

    Vegetables

    • Fresh vegetables provide necessary Vitamin E for Gouldian Finches. Spinach leaves, sprouts, chickweed, watercress and lettuces should be offered frequently to ensure that the bird has adequate Vitamin E levels.

    Calcium

    • Calcium is especially important in egg-laying female Gouldian Finches. A cuttlebone, which is available at most pet stores, or crushed eggshells can be given to satisfy the bird's need for calcium.

    Vitamin D

    • Gouldian Finches that do not get exposed to sunlight must be given Vitamin D. A Vitamin D or multivitamin supplement for birds is available at pet stores.

    Grit

    • Grit is an important part of a Gouldian Finch's diet. Grit is similar to fiber in humans. For these birds, crushed oyster shells or crushed coal is a good source of dietary grit.

    Clean Water

    • Clean, fresh water is required for Gouldian Finches to thrive. The water should be changed at least once daily.