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Gouldian finches are a magnificently coloured small bird found in patches of Northern Australia. Their numbers have reduced dramatically in the 20th century primarily as a result of habitat loss and modification. This has seen their conservation status changed to near threatened. However, these birds tend to thrive in captivity and are popular pets. In this painting I wanted to depict the finch in an aviary environment as opposed to a natural habitat. I felt the idea of its favourite perch, in the sun and “well used” implied the lack of freedom associated with captivity juxtaposed with a relative contentment with its situation. As a conservation tool, aviaries are a fantastic reservoir for populations under threat. Involving people in the process of captive breeding strengthens population reserves and public understanding of conservation issues.
