Zebra Finches


Zebra Finches are, much like their name might imply, grass dwelling finches who love to occupy brush lands, dry savannas, and pastures or cultivated fields.  When we take them into our homes, they steal our hearts through their active lifestyle and cheerful disposition.  These aren’t the only reasons why the Zebra Finch has been one of the most popular cage birds for the last century and more.  Zebra finches are attractive little creatures, very hardy, inexpensive, and one of the easiest breeds of bird to keep as pets.

They make great birds for anyone from the total beginner to the most experienced bird enthusiast!

Zebra Finches live typically about seven to ten years, and maintain their cheery disposition throughout, constantly busy working and singing.  Check out your local pet store, you’ll see these are one of the most popular varieties inside. Zebra Finches aren’t solitary like other kinds of birds, they are gregarious in nature and need the company of other birds.   Plan to buy at least a pair, and a decent sized cage for them to fly around in.

Zebra Finch Colorings

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This variety of finch comes in many different patterns and colors.  Most commonly, the male Zebra Finch has a grey upper body with a white underbelly.  Both the beak and legs are a red-orange color, and the bird has a cheek patch on either side of the head.  Zebra Finches also have a teardrop shape mark under their eyes that tends to be a brown or fawn color – something most enthusiasts insist is orange.  Also an orange, or sometimes chestnut, color are the flanks located just below the wings of the male Zebra Finch, usually mixed with white dots.

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Probably the most distinguishing markings on the male are the Zebra stripes across his chest, which is where the name Zebra Finch comes from.  Females also have a gray upperbody and wings, and white belly, but their legs and beaks are both distinctly lighter color than the males.  Female finches also share the black teardrop marking with the male.

There are different varieties of Zebra finch including the Fawn, Chestnut Flanked White, Lightback, Pied, Black or Orange Breasted, and the Black Cheek.  Zebra Finches originate from Australia where they live mostly in the dry areas and typically eat grass seeds.

Dietry Preferences

Seeds are also the fundamental component of a captive Finches diet.  Although, they will also eat fresh foods from your kitchen as well, and often enjoy the variety.  Each individual Finch will have different preferences, so you may need to experiement a little to find out what you particular bird enjoys.

You can experiment with items such as mixed vegetables, sprouts, hard boiled eggs (mashed up of course), lettuce, spinach, bread crumbs and corn bread.  In fact, most natural foods are fine to feed to your finch, but make sure to cut or mash up the food so the bird can manage eating it. Try to stay away from the extremes of peppers and cabbage.  Try not to over feed your birds too, and make sure to remove any excessive that doesn’t get eaten before it spoils.

Zebra Finches can go for days without water, which comes from their native dry land origins, but when keeping these birds at home, it’s essehntial to feed and water them regularly.  Food should be kept stocked daily, so make sure to keep their seed bowl filled.


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