Zebra Finch
Taeniopygia guttata
Also known as: Sunda Zebra Finch, Timor Zebra Finch
Habitat
Canopy
Diet
PlantSeed
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
12 g
About This Species
A small, gregarious finch of arid and semi-arid grassland and scrubland across the Australian interior, most easily found in flocks gathering at waterholes and seed-rich grassland, especially after rain triggers grass seeding. Males show a black teardrop eye patch, orange cheek patch and barred flanks, while females lack the orange cheek marking. Watching a waterhole at dawn or dusk in dry country often produces the best views as flocks come in to drink.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Sit quietly a short distance back from a waterhole rather than approaching it directly, since flushing a flock repeatedly in arid country can force birds to expend scarce energy and water reserves.
- Native birds are protected under Australian state wildlife legislation, and this applies equally to common, abundant species like this one.
- Avoid disturbing waterholes in extended dry periods, when they may be a critical resource for many species beyond this one.
LCAvesPasseriformesEstrildidae
Seasonal Activity
171,118 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
Traits
- Diet
- PlantSeed
- Foraging
- Canopy
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 12 g
Photo
(c) Rolf Lawrenz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rolf Lawrenz
CC-BY-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.