Zebra Finch

DISTRIBUTION:

Pair of Zebra Finches. Male is on the left.

Distribution Map

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 100 mm

MALE: Head grey with pale chestnut on ear-coverts. Back grey-brown; rump white; tail-coverts barred black and white. Face white, bordered with black; throat, neck and upper breast pale grey with fine black bars; lower breast black; flanks pale chestnut with white spots; belly and undertail-coverts white. Eye and bill red; legs red-orange.

FEMALE: Similar to male but lacks ear patches and flank marks; throat and breast pale buff; underparts pale buff; bill paler.

IMMATURES: Similar to female; bill black; legs grey; eye grey-brown.

NESTING. 

Breeds in most months, depending on seasonal conditions. Nest flask-shaped with spherical nest chamber 120-200 mm in diameter, a side entrance 30-80 mm in diameter and an entrance tunnel , 50-250 mm long. Made of grass stems, large on outside, getting progressively smaller towards inside; built on twigs of bushes and low trees, occasionally in hollows or on the ground. Eggs: usually four or five; pure white; 11 X15 mm.

FORMS. 

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: I have found that these birds will nest almost anywhere although they will usually prefer a nest box including parrot nest boxes rather than build a nest of their own. I have seen these birds build nests in tea tree branches and planted trees but very rarely. Best results have been from boxes 150 mm square X 125 mm high with a 40 mm access hole in the front and a small landing platform just below the entrance. (See the Plans page for more information) 

FEEDING: A general finch mix is ideal for this bird. Birds will also readily take seeding grasses and live food. However I have had seen these birds breed successfully with just a mixed seed diet. Egg and biscuit will also be taken readily. 

OTHER FEEDS: Cuttlebone and shell grit should be supplied at all times.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: There are no special requirements for this species. However care should be taken not to house this species with the Masked Finch or the Long-tailed Finch or any of the subspecies.

These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.