Gouldian finch courtship dance video

The male Gouldian finch (Chloebia gouldiae) performs his mating ritual, but the female (who at first turns her tail towards him, exposing her vent) decides she has a headache.

The first part of the ritual involves the cock bird (John Gould-Wilson) nodding his head rapidly to his chest. Then he hops up and down like a maniac. Lizzie doesn't seem to care, although the dark colour of her beak indicates she is "in season". Better luck next time, Johnny.

See my one-minute home video at Google Videos.

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Tagged: gouldian, lady+gouldian, finch, finches, birds, australia