The zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) is a bird that belongs
to the family Estrildidae. It is
native to Australia. Zebra finches are dimorphic. Adult males are generally
more colorful than females: males have orange cheek patches, black/brown
and white patterns, and red beaks; while adult females have grey cheek feathers and
orange beaks. In contrast, young zebra finches of both male and female sexes have black
beaks. The name zebra finch originates from the zebra-like stripes on their tails ;)
Male zebra finches are talented
singers! ;) Singing plays an important role during mating and protecting their
territories. Zebra finch is a model organism e.g. for studies on learning and
memory. Its genome was sequenced in 2008.
Male zebra finch
Female zebra finches
Zebra finches - female (left) and male (right)
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