Sunda Zebra Finch

Overview

The Sunda zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a small bird in the family Estrildidae found in the Lesser Sundas. It is closely related to the Australian zebra finch, which was formerly considered a subspecies of T. guttata but is now generally recognised as the separate species Taeniopygia castanotis.

Identification

• Purebred adult males possess a grey throat, distinguishing them from the barred black-and-white throats of their Australian relatives.
• Zebra-like markings are minimal, appearing only as a barely visible patch on the sides of the lower neck.
• The plumage exhibits a slight brownish hue on the top of the head and the underside.
• Males display an upright courtship pose and fluff the feathers on their foreheads.

Habitat

This species is native to the Lesser Sundas.

Did you know?

The Sunda zebra finch appears to be totally resistant to Plasmodium relictum, the malaria parasite most common among birds. Additionally, young finches learn their individual songs by copying adults or other juveniles between the ages of 25 and 90 days.