Research sheds light on Finch personality
Photo: Nigel Jacques
The personality of a Gouldian Finch differs according to its head colour, researchers from Liverpool John Moores University and the Royal Veterinary College have revealed.
A research team investigated the "highly sociable" Australian birds through a series of behavioural tests to better comprehend their bright appearance. Red-headed finches were shown to be more aggressive, while those with black heads were bolder and took more risks.
Gouldian finches are found in open, subtropical woodland and are renowned for their colourful plumage. The majority have either red or black heads, and a small number have yellow.
Lead researcher Leah Williams commented: "Our idea is that the colour signals their behavioural tactics."
She added: "The next step is to find out which birds associate with which. Do reds hang our with blacks and do they do better for that?"
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