Zebra Finch
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Peripitus" title="User:Peripitus">Peripitus</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameZebra Finch
Common NameZebra Finch
Scientific NameTaeniopygia guttata
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)10
Length (cm)10
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsMales have a grey head and nape, bright orange cheek patches bordered by a black tear-stripe, and a bright red-orange conical beak. The throat and upper breast are finely barred with black and white (zebra-like pattern), followed by a black band. The flanks are chestnut with white spots, and the belly is white. The back and wings are grey-brown. Females are duller, lacking the orange cheek patches and flank spots, and have a paler orange beak.
Vocalization / CallZebra Finches are highly vocal, producing a variety of short, sharp 'beep' calls, trills, and complex songs, especially by males. Their calls are often described as a series of rapid, high-pitched 'tet' or 'tsee' notes, used for communication within their social groups.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, shrubland, savanna, arid regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Australia, with a smaller population found on the Lesser Sunda Islands and Timor in Indonesia. They are widely introduced as cage birds globally.
Identifying Featuresbright red-orange conical beak, orange cheek patches (males), black and white zebra-like barring on throat/upper breast (males), chestnut flanks with white spots (males), small size
Description
The Zebra Finch is a small, highly social bird known for its distinctive plumage and active nature. Males display vibrant orange cheek patches and zebra-like barring, while females are plainer. They are often found in arid and semi-arid regions, foraging primarily for seeds.
