Zebra finch

Zebra finches are perfectly characterised by their colourful, friendly facades. They are bright, boisterous and gregarious birds with stubby orange beaks, a grey head and a black and white tail. Both sexes have a black and white 'teardrop' beneath the eye; only the males have light chestnut cheeks, a barred throat and spotty chestnut flanks.

They are loud singers exuding chattering trills and calls that have been likened to the noise of a toy trumpet. Their social nature results in cacophonies of song amongst flocks. Zebra finches are common subjects of genetic research and are also widely sought by breeders and as pets.

Did you know?
The zebra finch was the second bird to have its genome sequenced after the chicken.

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