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Zebra Finch

Habitat: Grassland

Habitat

Zebra Finches are most commonly found in the drier areas of Australia, living year round in social flocks of up to 100 or more birds. They can be found in a variety of habitats, mainly dry wooded grasslands, bordering watercourses.

Behaviour

Sociable. Flocks of 10 – 100s. Flocks congregate at water sources, often in thousands.

Feeding

Zebra Finches feed in large flocks on fallen or ripening grass seeds. Insects may be taken at any time of the year, but are particularly favoured when feeding young. Feeding takes place on the ground, and, unlike some other grassfinches, birds never pull seed heads down with their feet.

Breeding

Zebra Finches pair for life. The female alone selects the nest site, but both birds care for the eggs and young. The male gathers almost all the nesting material, with which the female constructs the loose dome-shaped nest. Birds have also been reported to nest in hollows in the ground, although this behaviour is uncommon.

With a time span of 70 to 80 days from hatching to becoming sexually active, the Zebra Finch is one of the fastest-maturing bird species recorded.