 Description:
In the wild Lady Gouldians can be seen in three forms
including Red Head, Yellow (Orange) Head, and Black
Head. The black head variety is the most common followed
by the red head then yellow (orange) head.
Males: show a full bright mask in either of
the three head colors outlined with black. The black
head outline meets at the chin and extends down the
throat. A turquoise blue band outlines the black and
covers the upper nape and lower throat. Males have a
deep purple breast and a vivid yellow belly which gradually
turns into white near the vent and under tail area.
A medium-dark green covers the lower nape below the
turquoise band and proceeds down the back. The upper
tail coverts are blue and the outer tail feathers are
black-green. Males at maturity have pearl white beaks
with either a red or orange tip depending on head mutation
and long tail wires or barbs.
Hens: have the same color green back but are
duller in other areas. Their breast is diluted to a
lilac color and the belly is a paler yellow. The black
head variety hens have a bright full mask resembling
a males but the red and yellow (orange) head mutation
hens rarely have full mask. Often times red or yellow
(orange) headed hens have a considerable amount of black
feathers mixed in with the mask color. The turquoise
band on hens is barely visible and at maturity their
beak retains a dark hue and can become almost entirely
black. Both sexes have dark brown eyes. We consider
the Lady Gouldian to be the most beautiful finch in
the world available to the fancy. |
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Description:
Zebra Finches originate from Australia. Zebras live
in open grasslands with some bushes and trees. They live
in dry areas over most of Australia. They live in groups
and eat mostly grass seeds. They build their nests in
bushes out of grass, straw, feathers and anything else
they can find. They lay 3-6 eggs and both parents participate
in raising the young. Although common now, the Zebra Finch
comes in many varied color mutations which can delight
aany fancier. Regardless of its commonality the Zebra
Finch is a beautifully marked bird. At Gouldian Gardens,
we breed a light-backed Fawn/Silver mutation as well as
the gorgeous Florida Fancy variety. |
Males:
The normal male bird has a gray upper body and wings.
The belly is white. The beak and legs are a red-orange
color. On each side of the head is a cheek patch.
There is a 'tear drop' mark under the eye. This
is a brown/tan/fawn color commonly called orange.
The flanks/sides of the bird just below the wings, is
a chestnut (darker orange) colored area with white dots.
The chest is black and white stripped like a zebra,
hence their name. A truly beautiful bird!
Females: The female also has a gray upper body
and wings with a white belly. The beak and legs
are the same red-orange color but not as deep color,
lighter. She has a black 'tear drop' mark under
the eye. The most noticable differences between
males and females are the cheek patches and the chest
striping.
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