Hello we are the
Zebra Finches!
Taeniopygia guttata
We were not all brought into The Hamilton Aviary at the same time, but we have created our makeshift family. At one time there were both male and female birds, but we kept having chicks, so had to be split up. In the end, 5 male birds remained and the rest were adopted by a volunteer.
Likes
Chasing each other & Being outside
Dislikes
Showers
Fav Foods
Seeds & Millet as treats
What I Can Say
We just chirp!
Likes
Building nests
Dislikes
Having to be caught when we escaped!
Fav Foods
Millet and Insect paté
What I Can Say
Nothing but we do like to chirp to each other
About Us and Other Zebra Finches
Zebra finches make an especially popular pet and have been kept in captivity for over 100 years. Our ancestors lived in Australia and Indonesia in dry woodlands. They can live for up to 15 years in homes, but only around 2-3 years in the wild. Also in the wild, they tend to live in groups of up to 100 birds!
Zebra finches may be the most popular pet finch, but there are about 10 other species of finches that can be kept in captivity. This includes the brightly coloured Gouldian Finch, Owl Finch, and Strawberry Finch.​​
Zebra Finches are considered a "beginner"or "hands-off" bird because they should be housed with at least one other bird to keep them company. However, if trained they can do tricks just like larger parrots and benefit from enrichment like foraging opportunities!
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Because Zebra Finches have a wide range and healthy wild population their IUCN status is Least Concern.​​
What I'm up to Now
I was moved to The Toronto Zoo!
When our sanctuary at Oak Knoll Drive closed its doors, a few birds migrated over to The Toronto Zoo. I am in a free flight exhibit in the Australiasian pavilion and am back in the public eye in their aviary. I have transitioned well and am happy I still have lots of friends to visit me!
