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Zebra FinchAlternative name: "Chestnut-eared Finch" Size: 10 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Zebra Finches are birds of the Australian interior. They are found all through the red centre of the continent, from the west coast of WA north of Geraldton (not the south-western tip and only rarely the Perth area) to the Great Dividing Range in the east. They are only rarely found along the south coast, except near Port Augusta and Adelaide, SA, and none of the other coasts, all around the continent via the east coast and the north coast, including the entire top end of the NT, where they are only rarely seen, up to the Kimberleys. They are not found on Cape York peninsula either.
Zebra Finches can be found in open inland habitats, often in open grassland with scattered trees with undergrowth, in semi-arid to arid environments. They have developed a preference for (the introduced noxious weeed) African Boxthorn, which is often found under trees on farms.
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Sightings |
One sighting of a Zebra Finch was in April of 2006, on the outskirts of Narrabri, NSW. Later, in December 2006, a flock of about 20 came to visit us 20 km east of Narrabri. Seen a number of times in September/October 2007.
A small colony of up to 50 birds was found by us nesting 20 km east of Narrabri in August 2008 (i.e. in late winter). Seen at the same location in subsequent years since then.
Also spotted by us in many different locations in semi-arid and arid country on a trip along the Darling River into outback NSW and South Australia in March 2008.
R. Druce reported breeding Zebra Finches 5 km west of Maules Creek, NSW, in October 2011.
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Photos |
Close-up lateral view of a male Zebra Finch; photo
courtesy of R. Druce
Lateral view of a male Zebra Finch
The same bird as above, now with its head turned
Male bird dipping into its bath; Zebra Finches immerse themselves deeply into the water (click on image to see how), as opposed to Double-barred Finches, who only dip, as shown here, and then flap their wings to spray themselves wet
Lateral view of a female Zebra Finch
Another female seen from underneath
Back of a female Zebra Finch
Pair of Zebra Finches in brilliant evening light
Lateral view of an adolescent, probably female, bird
in the process of developing its characteristic orange
bill colour from the juvenile grey form
Here a flock of Zebra Finches drinking from a pond
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Breeding information |
| Breeding season: Oct - Mar | Eggs: 4 - 6 | Incubation period: 12 - 14 days | Fledging age: 21 days |
Given the right conditions, Zebra Finches can breed any time of the year.
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Nest |
| Type: Bottle-shaped dome | Material: Grass with feather lining | Height above ground: 1 - 5 m |
Male Zebra Finch in front of its nest; photo courtesy of R. Druce
Here the bird is seen entering the nest; photo courtesy of R. Druce
Back of a Zebra Finch's nest in a dense, thorny bush
Female Zebra Finch ready to get back into its nest
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Eggs |
| Size: 16 x 11 mm | Colour: White | Shape: Tapered oval |
The nest shown here contained at least five tiny white eggs, most of which are not visible in the photo.
Look into the same nest as shown above, with at least
one egg visible
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Communal | Mobility: Dispersive | Elementary unit: FLock |
All species of finches known to us are highly sociable.
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Food |
Like all other finches known to us, Zebra Finches feed on seeds. These include grass seeds and seeds of reeds.
