Zebra Finch
Image: Matt Campbell (cc-by-nc)
NameZebra Finch
Common NameZebra Finch
Scientific NameTaeniopygia guttata
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)13
Plumage DetailsMales have grey upperparts, a white belly, chestnut flanks with white spots, and a black tear-drop stripe below the eye. They feature bright orange cheek patches and a black-and-white barred throat and upper breast. Females are duller, lacking the orange cheek patches and flank spots, and have a plain grey head and breast. Both sexes have a bright red-orange conical bill and black-and-white barring on the tail.
Vocalization / CallKnown for their distinctive 'meep' or 'beep' calls, often described as a series of short, sharp, high-pitched notes. Males also produce a complex, variable song.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, shrubland, savanna, open woodland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to central and eastern Australia, with introduced populations on Timor and other islands.
Identifying Featuressmall size, conical red-orange bill (adults), black-and-white barred tail, males with orange cheek patches and chestnut flanks, sociable, often in flocks
Description
The Zebra Finch is a small, highly social finch native to Australia, known for its active nature and distinctive calls. These birds are typically found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, where they feed primarily on seeds.
