Zebra Finch
Taeniopygia guttata
The male zebra finch has chestnut cheek patches as well as a black and white barring across its chest. Females lack these features and are grey in those areas mentioned. Beak color is generally a brighter red in males and a orange color in females.
They are common and widespread across Australia, found in many habitats but favour dry wooded grasslands.
Zebra finches live in large social flocks of up to 100 birds.
WHAT THEY EAT
Zebra finches feed mainly on ripening grass seeds but do eat insects, especially when feeding young. Their beaks are adapted for dehusking small seeds.
BREEDING
Zebra finches can breed from as young as 6 months of age. They pair for life and both birds share caring for the eggs and chicks. They can breed throughout the year, if the conditions are suitable. The female will lay between 2-7 eggs with incubation lasting up to 16 days. Fledging begins at about two weeks.
