Zebra Finch Species

Zebra finches are charming, personable little songbirds that are often kept as pets. When raised with other birds, such as the society finch, young zebra finches will even pick up on the other species' song and add its characteristics to their own, leading to a large level of variation within the basic framework of the zebra finch's song. Though native to the island of Australia, they can be kept as pets around the world as long as conditions are hospitable and they are regularly fed.

  1. Description

    • The zebra finch is a small songbird, with orange legs and a sturdy orange bill that is brighter colored in males. Adult males and females are easily discernible due to differences in coloration. The female is primarily gray on the wings and upper body, with white breast and underparts. Both males and females have black stripes under the eyes, and tails that are barred with black and white stripes. The males have black and white stripes under the throat, a black bar across the chest, orange cheek patches, and rusty orange flanks speckled with white. Juveniles of both sexes more closely resemble the adult female's coloration, but have black beaks instead of orange.

    Native Habitat

    • Wild zebra finches live in Australia and other nearby islands in the southern Pacific. These songbirds are well adapted for desert life, although they can thrive in a wide variety of habitats due to their natural hardiness, resilience and resistance to disease. Wild zebra finches are quite gregarious and travel in large flocks. They feed primarily on seeds from native grasses and other plants.

    Captivity

    • Zebra finches in captivity retain their social nature and make pleasant pets. They prefer the company of other birds to humans, however, and generally do not enjoy much handling, making them a fairly easy and hands-off pet to care for. Captive diets revolve mostly around seed, with millet being a common ingredient. This diet should be supplemented often with fresh greens, such as spinach, and fruit like apples and bananas. Regular access to fresh, clean water is important, as are regular cage cleanings to maintain a healthy environment.

    Housing

    • Zebra finch cages or aviaries should have at least 20 inches of space for the finches to fly around in. Food and water should both be readily available and easily accessed for frequent changes. Include swings, perches and toys to keep the finches happy and active. A cuttlebone will provide interest and beneficial calcium to captive finches. Avoid brass cages due to toxicity issues.