Zebra Finch
NameZebra Finch
Common NameZebra Finch
Scientific NameTaeniopygia guttata
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)21
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey head, bright orange cheek patches bordered by a black tear-stripe, and fine black-and-white barring on the throat and upper breast. Their flanks are chestnut with white spots, and the belly is white. The back and wings are grey-brown, and the bill is bright red-orange. Females are duller, lacking the orange cheek patches and flank spots, with a paler orange bill.
Vocalization / CallZebra Finches have a variety of calls, including a short, sharp 'beep' or 'tett' used for contact. Males produce a complex, rapid, and variable song, often described as a series of 'meep' and 'tett' notes combined with trills and whistles.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, shrubland, savanna, arid regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Australia, where it is widespread across most of the mainland, avoiding only the wet coastal areas. Also found on Timor and other Lesser Sunda Islands.
Identifying FeaturesOrange cheek patches (males), Black tear-stripe (males), Zebra-like barring on throat and chest (males), Chestnut flanks with white spots (males), Bright red-orange bill, Small size
Description
The Zebra Finch is a small, highly social passerine bird known for its distinctive plumage and vocalizations. Males are particularly colorful, displaying prominent orange cheek patches and zebra-like barring, while females are generally duller. They are active birds, often seen foraging in flocks.
