Zebra Finch

Description:

Male:- Grey head, plain grey-brown back and wings, rump white. Tail and side coverts barred black and white. White face, with black tear-marks, cheeks rusty. Throat and upper breast pale grey barred finely black, flanks russet spotted white, white belly and under tail. Eye, bill and feet orange-red. Female:- As male but cheeks, throat, breast and flanks plain grey-white. Bill paler. Immatures:- As female but eye grey-brown, bill black, grey feet.

Habitat:

All dry wooded grasslands and backyards.These little blokes have Cottoneaster and Ti-trees that they inhabit around my backyard and are often joined by English Sparrows and Double-barred Finch.

Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aURPdqb... (Zebra finch) This little family have popped in and out of my backyard, for a pick at the seeds and a drink from the birdbath. The loud nasal or brassy twanging, plus the tiarr, or the abrupt tet, tet, is a pleasant heralding of their presence. I get the opportunity to sit back, relax and watch these little birdlife wonders. Maybe the little video isn't the greatest but I did so enjoy watching dad feed bub, while mum looked on. These parents are very protective - always on high alert for predators and being aware constantly of where baby's at. Both parents incubate the eggs and rear the young. The males colouring and patterns always amaze me - so much, on so little. Photos are edited and also taken on 06/05/2018 and 22/07/2018. References :- Michael Morcombe Field Guide to Australian Birds and Reader's Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds.