Zebra Finch
DESCRIPTION
Zebra Finch is 4 inches (10cm). Greyish-blue on head and neck, turning to duller greyish-brown back and wings, and black tail with white diagonal bands. Bluish-grey chest with black wavy markings, lower chest black, belly almost white. Sides orangish-red with white round marks, white 'moustache', black band under eye marks front edge of orange ear spots. Eyes and beak red, legs brownish. Female grey on top with almost-white ear mark, and grey on throat, neck, chest and sides. Immatures have dark beaks.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Zebra Finch is found in Australia, except coastal waters of New South Wales and Victoria.
HABITAT
Open woods and grassy areas, arid interiors near water, in large flocks year round.
DIET
Mixed millets, canary seed and greenfood.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Don't breed females until 9 to 10 months old. Separate cocks and hens during winter, preferably indoors in unheated, frost-free area.
CAGE LIFE
The Zebra Finch is adaptable, social, vivacious, hardy and easily tamed. Male has bright, vigorous trumpeting song. Good for all types of aviaries and large cages. Prolific breeders in outdoor aviaries, but limit to three, per season to avoid egg binding and weak young. Remove all nesting materials (grass, plant fibres, feathers, wool), as soon as the nest is completed, to prevent further construction. The free nest is bottle-shaped, with an extrance tunnel. Likes to use all types of nest boxes. Lays 4 to 5 eggs, incubation, 13 to 16 days by both partners, fledging 20 to 22 days. Independent 3 weeks after it has flown out. Hang nest boxes near roof of cage or aviary to prevent birds from making another nest on top of it.
STATUS IN WILD
Not listed as endangered.