Zebra Finch
NameZebra Finch
Common NameZebra Finch
Scientific NameTaeniopygia guttata
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey head, prominent orange cheek patches, a black tear-drop stripe below the eye, and black and white barring on the throat and upper breast. Their flanks are chestnut with white spots, and they have a white belly and a bright orange-red conical beak. Females are duller, lacking the orange cheek patches and flank spots, with a paler orange beak.
Vocalization / CallZebra Finches have a distinctive 'beep' or 'meep' call used for contact. Males sing a complex, variable, and often rapid song composed of various chirps, trills, and buzzes.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Australia, primarily found in arid and semi-arid grasslands and open scrublands across most of the continent, avoiding dense forests and coastal areas. Also found on the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesOrange cheek patches (males), Black and white barred throat (males), Chestnut flanks with white spots (males), Bright orange-red conical beak, Small size
Description
The Zebra Finch is a small, highly social passerine bird known for its striking plumage and distinctive vocalizations. Males are particularly colorful, displaying orange cheek patches and barred patterns, while females are more subdued. They are often found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, foraging for seeds.
