6 June 2012 Last updated at 07:33 By Michelle Warwicker BBC Nature <\/p>\n
Gouldian finches have different personalities depending on the colour of their heads, researchers have found. <\/p>\n
Scientists from Liverpool John Moores University and The Royal Veterinary College investigated the \"highly sociable\" Australian birds. <\/p>\n
The team set the finches a series of behavioural tests to understand the purpose of their bright appearance. <\/p>\n
They found that red-headed finches were more aggressive, while black-headed birds were bolder and took more risks. <\/p>\n
The findings are published in the journal Animal Behaviour. <\/p>\n
\"Our idea is that the colour signals their behavioural tactics,\" said lead researcher Leah Williams. <\/p>\n
She explained that the research also suggests that \"bolder\" black-headed finches may act as \"leaders\" in a group. <\/p>\n
Gouldian finches are found in open, subtropical woodland and are known for their colourful plumage. <\/p>\n
In the wild, the majority of the birds have black or red heads, although a very small number are yellow-headed. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more from the original source:<\/p>\n
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