00:01Imagine wandering into the tropical forests of northern Australia,
00:05sunlight streaming through the canopy,
00:07and before you appears a Gouldian Fincha living masterpiece painted by nature itself.
00:13With the dazzling plumage of the adults and the surprising light weapon of the chicks,
00:18this bird not only captures attention, but also tells the powerful tale of survival.
00:23Though small measuring just 12 to 14 centimeters, the Gouldian Finch possesses feathers that leave observers in awe.
00:35Adult males in particular resemble living paintings.
00:38Shimmering purple breasts, bright yellow bellies, emerald green backs,
00:43and striking black, red, or rare yellow faces, all topped off with sleek black tails.
00:50During courtship, males bounce and display their colors with flair, as if to say,
00:56look how beautiful I am.
00:58These brilliant colors signal good health and help attract a mate.
01:02Gouldian Finches are native to northern Australia,
01:06from the Kimberley region in western Australia across the northern territory to parts of western Queensland.
01:13They prefer tropical savannas, open woodlands, and floodplains
01:17near rivers and streams places rich in food and space to breed.
01:21In these habitats, flocks take flight over the grasses,
01:25their feathers catching the sunlight, and creating rainbow-like flashes across the sky.
01:30But this beauty is under threat.
01:32Habitat loss caused by bushfires, cattle grazing, and expanding urban areas
01:37is shrinking the places they call home.
01:40Despite their glamorous appearance, Gouldian Finches are not picky eaters.
01:44They're passionate seed lovers, particularly fond of native grasses like sorghum.
01:49During the dry season, they gather in large flocks near water holes to feed on dry seeds.
01:55In the wet season, while raising chicks, they switch to protein-rich insects like termites and ants.
02:02However, their reliance on grass seeds makes them vulnerable to changes in the environment.
02:07Social by nature, Gouldian Finches gather in massive flocks outside the breeding season,
02:13sometimes in the thousands screeding a kaleidoscope of color in the sky.
02:17But don't be fooled by their cheerful appearance.
02:20They are shy birds.
02:22At the slightest disturbance, the whole flock bursts into the air in a synchronized, dazzling flight.
02:28In breeding season, they pair off, and the males begin their charming performance chirping, bouncing,
02:38and showing off their radiant feathers to win over the females.
02:42Breeding typically occurs during the rainy season, from November to April, when food is plentiful.
02:47They nest in tree hollows or abandoned termite mounds, laying four to eight eggs per clutch.
02:53After about 19 to 23 days of incubation, the chicks hatch and remain in the nest for 21 to 25 days.
03:01Even after fledging, they rely on parental care for another two to three weeks.
03:06By 9 to 12 months, they reach maturity and develop their stunning adult plumage.
03:12One of the most fascinating traits of this species is found in the chicks.
03:16Their beaks are lined with glowing blue nodules that shine in the dark,
03:20guiding parents during feeding and serving as an unexpected defense.
03:25When threatened, the chicks open their mouths wide,
03:28flashing their luminous markings like tiny neon light-startling potential predators.
03:33It's a brilliant example of nature equipping even the smallest beings with survival tools.
03:39Sadly, the Goldian finch is listed as endangered under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
03:51Fewer than 2,500 individuals remain in the wild,
03:56primarily due to habitat destruction from fires, livestock, and human encroachment.
04:02Though commonly bred in captivity for their beauty, wild populations continue to decline rapidly.
04:09In the wild, Goldian finches typically live four to six years,
04:13though many don't survive their first year due to harsh conditions and predators.
04:17In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to eight years.
04:22Chicks are especially vulnerable, with only 20 to 30 percent surviving in the wild.
04:28Every bird that reaches adulthood is a small miracle.
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