MOLT CHARACTERISTICS AND BREEDING SEASONS OF GOULDIAN ERYTHRURA-GOULDIAE, MASKED POEPHILA-PERSONATA AND LONG-TAILED FINCHES P-ACUTICAUDA INSAVANNA WOODLAND IN THE NORTHERN-TERRITORY

Three species of finch, Gouldian Erythrura gouldiae, Long-tailed Poeph ila acuticauda and Masked P. personata were studied at two sites (Newr y and Yinberrie) in the Top End of the Northern Territory. The Gouldia n Finch began to moult after its breeding season (usually late Februar y-August) at Newry, earlier at Yinberrie. The Long-tailed Finch began to moult during its breeding season (usually early February-October). The rates of moult increased in the order: Long-tailed, Masked and Gou ldian Finch. All species began to moult later at Newry, the drier of t he two sites. In Gouldian and Masked Finches, both sexes began to moul t at the same time. Gouldian Finches were heaviest, while Masked Finch es were lightest. Adult weights were lowest during the dry season, May to October.