Zebra Finch

Poephila guttata castanotis

Distribution:

Much of Australia and Flores Islands to the northwest.

Diet:

Millet and Canary seeds and greens.

Sexing:

Hens lack the zebra-like patterns on the cock's throat and chestnut markings. Cheek patches are absent or much less brilliant on females. The males have darker red beaks. (A male is pictured above).

Compatibility:

Can be kept in groups or as part of a mixed collection of similarly sized birds.

Clutch:

Normally up to 6 eggs.

Incubation:

About 12 days.

Fledging:

At about 18 days, feeding independently within about 4 weeks.

Note:

The Zebra Finch is a waxbill, from the family of Estrildidae, which also included Munias and Mannikins. They tend to be highly social by nature, however, a group will establish a pecking order. The Males are pugnacious toward other birds when breeding. In small cages ideally a male would be kept with two females and two nests.