Fast Facts
Scientific Name: Taeniopygia guttataCommon Name: Zebra Finch, Chestnut-Eared Finch, Spotted-Sided Finch, Nyi-Nyi, Timor Zebra Finch, Australian Zebra FinchLifespan: 2-5 yearsSize: 4-4.5 inchesWeight: .4-.45 ouncesWingspan: 9 inchesConservation Status: Least concern
Zebra Finch Identification
These small finches have colorful plumage and many bold field marks that make them easy to identify. Despite their familiarity, however, it is important to be familiar with all the zebra finch’s field marks as many other Australian finches can look similar. The zebra finch has a thick, conical bill with a waxy orange or orange-red color that is bright and easy to see from a distance. Both males and females have this colorful bill, though the female’s bill may be somewhat duller, but otherwise the genders look very different. Males have a gray head and nape with a prominent orange cheek patch and a black “tear” stripe under the eye. The throat and upper breast have fine horizontal black and white stripes, with a broad black patch on the chest. The back and wings are tan, and the flanks have bold rufous patches with white spots, though these patches may not be easily visible depending on how the bird is holding its wings. The tail is thickly striped black and white, and the rump, lower abdomen, and undertail coverts are plain white. Females have similar markings but have no cheek patch and only a faint buff wash on the flanks with no spots. For both genders, the legs and feet are pale. Juvenile birds look similar to females but are browner overall, and the bill is black. It should be noted that domestic zebra finches are often bred for specific colors and plumage patterns, including all-white birds, but those variations are not typically found in wild birds. These finches have a shrill buzzing call and a honking chirp that may be strung together a nasal warble. When agitated, they use a hissing call.
Zebra Finch Habitat and Distribution
Zebra finches are common in dry scrub areas and grasslands throughout central Australia and similar habitats in southern Indonesia, though they avoid thick forests and tropical regions. They are widespread in Australia but can be uncommon because of their nomadic, wandering habits. They may be found in orchards and gardens as well, but are not typically found near wet coastal areas, though the drier western coast can be suitable habitat. In some classification systems, different geographic subspecies of zebra finch have been split into separate species, but these splits are not universally recognized. These birds have been introduced into isolated areas in the United States, Puerto Rico, Portugal, and Brazil, but these feral populations are not always reliable for sightings. For serious record-keeping, feral bird populations are not suitable for adding the zebra finch to a life list.
Migration Pattern
While these birds are not strongly migratory, they are often nomadic following the best food and water sources. These birds do not have a specific migration pattern or seasonal route, but they will travel to follow the best food sources as crops and precipitation patterns change. When these resources are plentiful, the birds may stay in the same area for longer periods.
Behavior
Zebra finches are highly gregarious and can gather in large flocks of a hundred or more birds. They are very active and are constantly foraging, though because of their dry, desert habitat, they are more likely to be active in the mornings and late evenings when temperatures are cooler. When drinking, they suck water into their bills instead of scooping it like most birds, and they can survive without water for several days if necessary.
Diet and Feeding
These are granivorous birds and eat a variety of seeds and grain. During the breeding season, they eat more insects to provide protein for proper egg formation as well as healthier chicks. These finches will quickly nibble on seeds, manipulating them in their strong bills to crack seed hulls.
Nesting
Zebra finches mate for life but do not have a defined mating season. Instead, they breed after a heavy rain that brings better food to their habitat. Because of this, they may go many months without breeding, but during wet years could raise a dozen or more broods. Nests are built in any suitable spot, including shrubs, tree cavities, rock niches, abandoned burrows, or simply on the ground, and are constructed of fine grasses and feathers.
Eggs and Young
One brood will contain 2-7 plain white eggs, and both parents share incubation duties for 12-16 days. The chicks are cared for by both parents for an additional 19-21 days before being chased away to find their own territories. If the parents are incubating a second brood, they are less tolerant of older juvenile birds remaining nearby. Zebra finches occasionally hybridize with other grassland finches.
Zebra Finch Conservation
These birds are highly adaptable and in no danger of being threatened or endangered, and in fact, their range has expanded with the development of artificial water sources. In some areas, feral cats can be a problem, and extended periods of drought can gravely impact their breeding success. Zebra finches are popular birds for scientific research because of their short mating cycle and ability to breed year-round. They have been used for studies on fledgling imprinting, song learning, mate selection, and other research.
Tips for Backyard Birders
In the appropriate habitat, these small finches readily visit bird feeders where different seeds, especially millet, are offered. They will also frequently visit bird baths and other water features. Planting seed-bearing flowers is a great way to make a yard friendly for zebra finches.
How to Find This Bird
Because zebra finches are relatively widespread and gregarious, they are easy to find. Visiting bird-friendly orchards and gardens, even in suburban areas, are popular options to see these birds, or they can be found in suitable grasslands further afield. Nature centers that offer feeding stations are also likely to attract zebra finches.
Explore More Species in This Family
The Estrildidae bird family includes more than 140 species of finches, waxbills, munias, firetails, and other small birds that are also popular in the pet trade. Similar birds that have also been popular as pet birds include:
House Finch
Discover more about pet finches, such as how to tell finches and sparrows apart, or find more favorite feathered friends with all our wild bird profiles.
