Zebra Finch

Description

Zebra Finches measure 10 to 11.5 cm. The plumage is generally grey, with characteristic black 'tear drop' eyestripes and 'zebra like' black and white barring on the rump and uppertail. The throat and upper breast are pale grey, with fine black barring, and there is a broad black band on upper chest. The sides of the belly are chestnut with many white spots. The remainder of the belly and the undertail are white. The male is distinguished from the female by its chestnut cheek patches, a character that gave the species the alternative name of Chestnut-eared Finch. Both sexes have red eyes and bill. The legs and feet are orange yellow.

Young Zebra Finches are similar in plumage to the female, except that the clear black and white markings of the head are absent. The eyes are grey-brown and the bill is black.
The most common calls are a loud nasal "tiah", often given in flight, and a soft "tet tet" in close contact.

Distribution and Habitat
Zebra Finches are the most common and widespread of Australia's grassfinches. They are most commonly found in the drier areas of Australia, living year round in social flocks of up to 100 or more birds. They can be found in a variety of habitats, mainly dry wooded grasslands, bordering watercourses. The introduction of artificial dams and watertanks has actually increased the species' natural range, as the birds need to drink on a regular basis.

The Zebra Finch is widespread across the Australian mainland, with the exception of Cape York Peninsula and some coastal areas. It is also found in Timor and the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Food and feeding

Zebra Finches feed in large flocks on fallen or ripening grass seeds. Insects may be taken at any time of the year, but are particularly favoured when feeding young. Feeding takes place on the ground, and, unlike some other grassfinches, birds never pull seed heads down with their feet.

Breeding
Zebra Finch breeding generally takes place from October to April, but this varies depending on rainfall. Birds pair for life.
The female alone selects the nest site, but both birds care for the eggs and young. The male gathers almost all the nesting material, with which the female constructs the loose dome-shaped nest. Birds have also been reported to nest in hollows in the ground, although this behaviour is uncommon. The young hatch after only two weeks, and leave the nest after a further three.

A female finch

A male finch

Zebra Finches.
Zebra Finches are an Australian bird. They can be found across Australia.
Finches usually live in large flocks. They eat grass seeds and small insects.

Male finches have chestnut cheek patches and brown patches with white spots under the wings. Females are plain looking. Finches make a soft ‘tet tet’ sound and it gets faster when they are excited and when they are calling to their mates.

Nesting

Male finches find nesting material and give it to the female and the female builds the nest. The female sits on the eggs but the males will look after the eggs to let the female find food to eat when she is hungry. The eggs take two weeks to hatch. Both finches look after the young.

When the young leave the nest for the first time they are called fledglings.
Fledglings can fend for themselves when they are three weeks old.

 

Questions
What do finches eat?


How long does it take for the finch eggs to hatch?



How do finches build their nests?




Why do people keep finches as pets?




Do you think it is all right to keep them in cages? Why?

Zebra Finches.
Finches are a small bird. They come from Australia. Finches live in large flocks. They eat seeds and small insects. Male finches have orange cheeks and brown patches with white spots under the wings. Females are mostly grey. Finches make a soft ‘tet tet’ sound.

Nesting

Finches build their nest together. They take turns to sit on the eggs. The eggs take two weeks to hatch. Both finches look after the babies. Finches can look after themselves when they are three weeks old.

Questions.

Where do finches come from?

What do finches eat?

What sound do finches make?

How long until their eggs hatch?

Do you like finches? Why?