Gouldian Finch sex

[bruceaustin]

I just purchased a gouldian finch and well the shop said it was a male but it has the lilac breast and black ring around the face like I have heard females have but it does have a white beak with red tip. Any idea if this is a male or female? I apologize for the blur picture but had to take the pic while he/she was in the cage.

Thanks

[Rahni]

It is a female. The colours are very diluted in comparison with the male. The male's breast is intense lilac, and the yellow is a lot more yellow. If you buy this bird a mate, make sure he is another red head.
I don't know anything about the beak or the black band, as in whether it's different in males, but believe me when you have a male and female there is no mistaking who's who!

[bruceaustin]

Will the female not get attached to a black headed male? That is the male we have now.

[ThreeX]

I think It is a (young) female alright.
here's one of my males:


I know several breeders who get both red and black headed chicks from mixed couples.

(btw, he got a nail trim after i saw the pics on the computer screen.. )

[bruceaustin]

Thanks, hopefully it is a female. Concerned about the beak color though.