Bird World Site

Zebra Finch

The Zebra Finch is a very pop pet bird, and has been for well over 100 years! Why? These little beauties are vibrant, active, strong and enchanting.

The Zebra Finch originated from Australia and it belongs to the Estrildidae family. These hardly little grass finches live in groups and breed in colonies in the wild. They can be found in grass, bush lands, dry savannas, open areas, pastures and even cultivated fields. Their main food in the wild is grass seeds they find on the ground.

Zebra Finches are about 4 inches long and their normal colours ar very distinct. The males have a light gray crown and neck, their lores and cheeks are white with two black vertical lines, they have a red patch on the sides of their head, the throat and crop are silvery with black cross barring, the breast is black and the lower body is white with reddish sides that have round white dots. The distaff is not as colorful as the male. The female’s throat, sides of her head, crop, upper breast and the sides of her body are gray. Both the male and distaff have reddish-orange beaks, the male’s being darker in color.

Due to selective breeding, Zebra finches can be found in a wide variety of colours and patterns that include, white, fawn and pied.

Zebra Finches are very social and must be kept in pairs. Be careful not to overcrowd your birds though; they need to be unbroken in a very roomy, clean environment. Zebra Finches are one of the few finches that you may be able to train to perch on your shoulder or finger, but it will take time and patience. You cannot discipline these birds, they will not understand and they will become unhappy and stressed. If you don’t have the patience to work with these birds, then simply enjoy them from a distance.

When you do need to handle your finch be very careful and gentle. If you need to examine your bird or clip their nails place your palm gently on its back and wrap your fingers around the bird with your thumb and index on each side of its head. Remember; be very gentle with your birds.

Zebra Finches are incredibly democratic and readily available from most pet stores or finch breeders. You can find them in unlike colorings and patterns. Because of their popularity they are inexpensive little birds.