Zebra Finch
Image: Matt Campbell (cc-by-nc)
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 chestnut cheek patches, and black tear-drop stripes below the eye. The throat and upper breast feature fine black and white barring, resembling a zebra pattern, while the flanks are chestnut with white spots. Females are duller, lacking the cheek patches and flank spots, with a plainer grey head and fainter barring. Both sexes possess a bright orange-red conical bill and red legs.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a variety of short, high-pitched 'teet' or 'tett' calls, often given rapidly in social contexts. Males also produce a complex, variable song used for courtship and territorial display.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, shrubland, savanna, arid regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to central and eastern Australia, inhabiting a wide range of arid and semi-arid environments. Feral populations exist in some other parts of the world due to escapes from captivity.
Identifying Featuressmall size, orange-red conical bill, zebra-like barring on throat/breast (males), chestnut cheek patches (males), white spots on chestnut flanks (males), social behavior
Description
A small, highly social finch native to Australia, known for its striking plumage and active, gregarious behavior. They are often found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, feeding primarily on seeds.
