The Zebra finch is a good choice for a first time bird pet owner because they're one of the simplest birds to look after and breed if you decide to do that.

As well as being one of the most popular cage birds, Zebra finches are inexpensive, hardy, attractive, contented and active with an average lifespan of 7-10 years.

With their satisfied disposition and social nature, you see them active and busy singing and flying around their cages. They do well with other birds because of their social behavior and the cage should be big enough so that they can fly without any swings in their way.

In their natural habitat they were most usually found in grassy or brush lands, open areas, pastures or fields and are typically known as a hardy species of grass finch.

The Zebra finch comes in many varieties of colors and patterns which makes it fun to pick out and put together.

The chest of the male finch has black and white stripes and that is how they were given their identity. The male Zebra finch also has orange-ish or chestnut sides with white spots. Customarily they have red/orange beaks and legs, a white belly, gray wings and upper body, a patch on their cheeks and a tear drop shaped marking under the eyes, which can on occasion be tan, brown, fawn or orange.

The females have similiar coloring on the upper body and wings that are gray, with a white belly. Their beaks and legs are not as brilliant in color as the males. The females also have a tear drop under their eyes, excepting the females spots are black.

Some of the other varieties of Zebra Finches are the Lightback, the Black Breasted, Orange Breasted, Pied, Flanked White, Chestnut, Black Cheek. And Fawn.

Zebra Finches make great simple to care for birds and are a fun experience to observe with their social interaction with the other birds in the cage and their happy dispositions.

Definitely a pet to consider when you're at the pet shop next time.