What is a zebra finch?
The zebra finch is a small grey finch of Australia's arid and semi-arid regions, with striking black-and-white stripes on its throat and tail. It is one of the most widespread birds in inland Australia.
Males have bright orange cheek patches, chestnut flanks with white spots and a red beak, while females are plainer grey. They are only about ten centimetres long.
Zebra finches live in flocks and feed on grass seeds. They need to drink regularly, so they are usually found near water.
A scientific star
Zebra finches are widely used in research on how birds learn songs, because young males learn their songs from adult males, much as children learn language.
They breed quickly after rain and nest in shrubs.
They are popular pets around the world and have been kept in aviaries for well over a century. In the wild, pairs often stay together for life, and both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks. Their nasal, trumpet-like calls are a familiar sound at outback waterholes, where large flocks gather to drink in the morning and late afternoon.
Did You Know?
Zebra finches can breed when only about three months old.