A zebra finch is a bird found in the central parts of Australia and Indonesia. It is also found in Portugal and the United States. The zebra finch is not only found in the wild, it is also commonly kept by pet owners. This bird has a life span of approximately five years when living in the wild and up to ten years when kept in a cage as a pet. If the finches are exceptionally healthy and well cared for, they can reach 14 years old. They are generally not a quiet bird and produce a variety of sounds.
The male zebra finch begins making sounds and singing when it reaches puberty, and uses his songs to find mates. The female zebra finch lacks the ability to sing at all. This difference is thought to be related to how they develop before birth.
The diet of the zebra finch consists of seeds, but they also eat apples and lettuce. Also, zebra finches are over-zealous eaters and tend to spray their seeds everywhere when they are caged. These birds need to have a fresh supply of water available to them at all times because they drink often.
Male zebra finches are vibrantly colored with orange feathered cheeks, black and white body feathers, and a richly colored red beak. By contrast, the female zebra finch has an orange beak, but both sexes have black beaks when they are very young. The male and female zebra finches are close in weight and size, and usually, the only way to tell them apart is by their differences in coloring.
Zebra finches that are kept as pets breed all year round, but zebra finches that live in their natural habitats typically breed only after a substantial or heavy rainfall. Their nests can be found in bushes, trees, and even in the nests of different species of other birds. Commonly, zebra finch nests are found on building ledges and sometimes, on the ground.
It is common to see zebra finches housed together in beautiful aviaries or glass enclosures in places like nursing homes. Their brightly colored feathers, pleasant singing sounds, and brisk activity can bring enjoyment and relaxation to the residents and visitors of long-term care facilities. These aviaries are generally maintained by aviary companies who clean the enclosures, feed the finches, and monitor the birds for signs of illness or injuries.
