Physical peculiarities
The zebra finch has mostly gray plumage for the common variety. It has black stripes on the neck and tail. The tips of the wings are brown and spotted, while the abdomen is white. In the Black-cheeked variety, this physical peculiarity is only visible in males. The masked one is characterized by a white and brown plumage, while a more reddish beak distinguishes the white in the male and more orange in the female.
The young zebra finch has a black beak and pinkish legs before turning red/orange as an adult.
Domestic representatives of this species are usually larger than wild ones. The smallest is the Timorese zebra finch.
There are many mutations among breeding birds: brown, saddled, black-breasted, orange-breasted, “crested,” “curly,”…
Behavior and character
The zebra finch is very expressive, lively, and friendly. He communicates a lot with his congeners but also with his owner.
Zebra finches constantly evolve in pairs within large groups in their natural environment. The male and the female remain very close; they are separated only during alternate brooding.
The female does not sing; only the male does.
