Why are zebra finches called finches?

The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) gets its name from the pattern of stripes on the heads and backs of male zebra finches. They are so called because of the zebra-like stripes on the feathers of the male. Other finches, like the house finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) and the goldfinch (Spinus tristis), are named after their colours, but the zebra finch's name comes from its markings, which are similar to those of a zebra.