The Changes in Finches Beaks

As a result of this observation, he later wrote his theories and ideas about what he thought were the actual origin of species, and which led him to write the publication, The Origin of the Species.

Although perhaps rather considered controversial during his time, it led future scientists and biologists of the modern era to investigate the matter further. Since Charles Darwin's publication of The Origin of the Species, a number of scientists travelled to the Galapagos Island to see the real deal for themselves, and to eventually disprove - or prove - Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection. Unfortunately no one was successful at either proving or disproving the said theory.

However, in the year 1973, Rosemary and Peter Grant set forth to Daphne Major, one of the islands in the Galapagos, to do their own observations and investigations. They were successful at proving Darwin's theory. They camped and stayed in Daphne Major for a few seasons and after just a few months, witnessed for themselves evolution in full action - that is, they observed changes in the size and shape of the beaks of finches found on the island.

These birds are mostly the same size, had the same brownish or black color, rounded tail that tends to get cocked to one side, and wings that are short and noticeably rounded. These were common characteristics of the finches on the island during the time Darwin first set forth in the Galapagos; only their beaks aren't the same. A few exceptions were noticed in coloring, but mostly they were similar when it comes to body shape and form - again, except the beaks.

Changes in the finches' beak shape and size were due to the finches' adaptation to available food. The beak function is for eating, a tool that helps in survival. Each specie as a result of certain fluctuations or changes in food scarcity or abundance has evolved its own unique beak design to better suit their food preference.

Some finches adapted to eating insects, therefore their beaks changed form to make them even more suitable and effective to eating insects. Other finches on the other hand, have adapted heavy and thick beaks that are more effective in cracking bigger nuts and seeds. Other finches began to have pointy beaks, because the pointier the beak the easier it is to pick small seedlings for food.

Later, Harvard Medical School researchers found the molecule responsible for the beak change. This protein molecule, called "calmodulin" regulates the gene that is involved in beak-shaping. Researchers found out that those with longer beaks such as the cactus finches have higher levels of calmodulin than those with shorter beaks. Calmodulin is then associated with longer beaks. Finches with blunt beaks were found to have low levels of calmodulin.

Preparation For Gouldian Finch Breeding

The most obvious is to feed your finches the proper diet. Their environment must meet their needs and you must ensure they are healthy because an unhealthy Gouldian finch may be too sick or unsuited for breeding. Also make certain your pair is healthy is the first step to successful breeding.

You must prepare their diet in advance. A proper diet is one that is full of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and trace elements are all good for them. Although protein can be found in many seeds, it is highly recommended that they also consume boiled eggs, which is full of protein, insects, and green leafy vegetables as well as soaked seed and some sprouts. It is recommended to introduce them to this diet gradually so that they eventually get accustomed to the new food and will feed them to their young. In addition to their diet, ample amounts of iodine and calcium found in multi-vitamins are also needed.

Secondly, make certain sure your finches are mature. They should be a year old at least, but more preferably two years old, to be mature enough to start breeding. If you breed them too early, the female finch might experience some problems that may be deadly for her; for example egg binding or she might throw away her eggs or chicks. A young male finch on the other hand, may get over the top when impressing the female finch that he might continue building the nest right on top of the eggs, which may endanger the young birds or eggs.

Young birds in particular may feel stressed out. Another potential problem when your finches are too immature is their tendency to feel that an invader is among them, and in turn may throw away the chicks once they are hatched. Waiting until your Gouldian finches are mature enough for breeding is time well spent and at the same time you would be avoiding many issues that might disappoint you.

Heat humidity and light are also very important factors to keep your finches healthy for breeding. Female Gouldians need at least 15 hours of sunlight. This triggers their instincts for breeding. Timers can also be installed in lights to make sure they get adequate lighting. Keep their environment at least in 68 degrees during winter months. Humidity in the breeding room shouldn't be less than 55%. Humidity is particularly important to the birds because it keeps their skin and feathers in good shape and avoids over dryness in the egg membranes when the chick attempts to hatch from their shell.

You can much have success in Gouldian finch breeding if you follow the tips above. Once everything is in perfect condition, Gouldian finch owners can breed at any season.