Taeniopygia guttata
zebra finch

Zebra finches are native to Australia and inhabit most regions of the continent. They have become naturalized in parts of Indonesia and occur in captivity as domesticated animals throughout much of the world. (Fischer, 1997; International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2006; Slater, Slater, and Slater, 1993)

Zebra finches live exclusively in savanna and subtropical dry habitats, specifically in broad expanses of non-vegetated terrain or areas with scattered shrubs and small trees. They have, however, adapted to many human disturbances, including water holes and land that has been cleared of vegetation for commercial purposes. Zebra finches are also widely domesticated and are frequently kept in captivity by humans. ("Zebra Finch", 2006; International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2006; Slater, Slater, and Slater, 1993)

Zebra finches are relatively small, with a length of only 10 to 11 cm and a mass of about 12 grams. They are said to be dimorphic because male and female birds differ in coloration. Males are more distinctly marked, with gray heads and backs, striped white and black tails, striped throats, and patches of orange on the cheeks. They also have a spotted chestnut coloration to their sides. The females are less distinctive, having only gray coloration on the entire body. Beaks of zebra finches also vary according to sex. Males tend to have a red colored beak, whereas the beaks of females are orange in color. The eyes of wild finches are also red. Before reaching maturity, young finches often look like females but with a black beak. Dimorphic coloration appears by the time these finches are 90 days old. (Roy Beckham/eFinch.com, 2005; Vriends, 1997)

The expected lifespan of zebra finches in the wild is 2 to 3 years depending on availability of resources and presence or absence of desired living conditions. The expected lifespan in captivity, on the other hand, is 5 to 7 years. (Austad, 1997; Cayuga Nature Center, 2006)

Zebra finches are sedentary and diurnal. Zebra finches are very social, living in flocks of around 100 individuals. During breeding, however, large groups break into smaller ones of approximately 50 individuals. These smaller groups remain in contact with each other. Zebra finches recognize members of their group by their songs, allowing friendly members to visit their nesting sites and chasing away members of foreign groups. Although zebra finches often travel over large distances in search of food and resources, their defended territory is relatively small, restricted to the area directly surrounding the nest site. Social dominance hierarchies are often established after the introduction of females to the group. Appearance does not seem to be a factor determining the basis for the dominance in social groups. (Fischer, 1997; Swaddle, 1996; Vriends, 1997)

Home Range

Zebra finches often forage in groups, flying to feeding grounds. (Vriends, 1997)

Zebra finches use vocalization and body movement to communicate. They are well known for their complex and unique songs. Individual finches sing alone and in groups. Zebra finches use a variety of calls to communicate with others in their group. Male mating calls are often described as soft and trilling, whereas warning calls are said to be more urgent and powerful. These latter calls are used when dangers are perceived near the nesting territory. Both sexes produce a nasal 'tang' call but male zebra finches use more vocal communication than do females. The chicks also produce a chirping and scratching noise to stimulate the feeding response of the parents. (Loftfield, 2000; Slater, Slater, and Slater, 1993; Vriends, 1997)

Zebra finches eat primarily various types of seeds. Their beaks are well adapted for dehusking seeds. Although they prefer a diet of seeds, they also eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and live food such as insects. A diet that varies in nutritional content is important for the overall health and well being of a finch. Eating insects during breeding is especially important to ensure healthy young. ("Zebra Finch", 2006; Fischer, 1997)

Many small mammals are common predators of zebra finch eggs. In their native habitats it is likely that they are preyed on by small dasyurids, birds of prey, and snakes. Outside of their native range they are also preyed on by mice. (Maier and Degraaf, 2001)

Zebra finches perform a minor role as seed dispersers in the ecosystems they inhabit and act as prey for small predators. (Vriends, 1997)

Zebra finches may be considered pests when nests are built on commercial structures or other buildings. ("Zebra Finch", 2006)

Zebra finches are widely domesticated around the world. They can be tamed from a young age and become familiar with humans, sometimes even eating directly from the hand. Zebra finches are desired for their sociable behavior, beautiful songs, and colorful markings. Zebra finches are also important model organisms for studying pair bonds, mate choice, and the complex song structures of birds. They are also desirable study organisms because of their rapid and reliable breeding. ("Zebra Finch", 2006; Crook, 1970)

Zebra finches are described as abundant and populations are not declining. Consequently, this species is listed by the IUCN as of least concern of becoming threatened or endangered. (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 2006)