The Sunda zebra finch, scientifically known as Taeniopygia guttata, is a captivating small songbird native to the Lesser Sundas. Renowned for its striking appearance and lively personality, this finch boasts a vibrant plumage that features grey bodies adorned with characteristic black tear-drop eye stripes and distinctive zebra-like black and white barring across its tail. Males are particularly eye-catching with their bright orange cheek patches and vivid red beaks, while females present a more subdued palette with orange beaks that complement their grey feathers.
These sociable birds thrive in flocks, often gathering in groups of 50 to 100 individuals. Their social structure is fascinating; they exhibit a "fusion-fission" society where they frequently split into smaller groups before reuniting, showcasing their strong communal bonds. Communication is key among zebra finches, with males singing complex songs learned from their fathers or tutors, which they refine over time. This ability to create unique vocalizations not only serves as a mating call but also plays a crucial role in maintaining social interactions within the flock.
Zebra finches are also remarkable for their adaptability in breeding; they do not adhere to a strict mating season but instead respond to environmental cues like rainfall. This flexibility, combined with their monogamous pair bonds, underscores their evolutionary success in diverse habitats ranging from dry savannahs to grasslands across Australia and Timor.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal and engaging behaviors, zebra finches have become popular pets due to their cheerful disposition and melodious songs, making them a beloved choice for bird enthusiasts around the world.
太陽達斑馬雀（學名：Taeniopygia guttata）是一種引人入勝的小型鳴禽，原產於小巽他群島。這種雀鳥以其引人注目的外表和活潑的個性而聞名，擁有引人注目的羽毛，灰色的身體上有特徵性的黑色淚滴狀眼紋，尾部有明顯的斑馬般黑白條紋。雄鳥特別引人注目，有明亮的橙色臉頰斑塊和鮮紅色的喙，而雌鳥則呈現較為柔和的色調，橙色的喙與灰色羽毛相得益彰。
這些群居的鳥類常常成群結隊，通常聚集成50到100隻的群體。它們的社會結構十分有趣；它們展現出一種「融合-分裂」的社會模式，經常分裂成小群體後再重新聚集，展示出強烈的群體紐帶。在斑馬雀中，溝通至關重要，雄鳥會唱出複雜的歌曲，這些歌曲是從父親或導師那裡學來的，並隨著時間不斷完善。這種創造獨特聲音的能力不僅作為求偶信號，還在維持群體內部社交互動中扮演著關鍵角色。
斑馬雀在繁殖方面也表現出驚人的適應性；它們不遵循嚴格的交配季節，而是根據降雨等環境線索來決定。這種靈活性，加上它們的一夫一妻制配對關係，凸顯了它們在澳大利亞和帝汶島各種棲息地（從乾燥的熱帶草原到草地）中的進化成功。
除了美觀的外表和引人入勝的行為外，斑馬雀因其愉悅的性情和悅耳的歌聲而成為受歡迎的寵物，使它們成為世界各地鳥類愛好者的鍾愛之選。
Citations:
[1] https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/zebra-finch-taeniopygia-guttata/
[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201121104309.htm
[3] https://a-z-animals.com/animals/zebra-finch/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunda_zebra_finch
[5] https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/species/zebra-finch/
[6] http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/species/zebra_finch.php
