The Taeniopygia guttata, commonly known as the zebra finch, is a small bird native to arid regions of Australia and Indonesia. Notable for its distinctive black and white striped tail and orange cheek patches in males, this sociable species thrives in large flocks, exhibiting complex vocalizations and strong pair bonds.

Taeniopygia guttata, commonly known as the zebra finch, is native to Australia, predominantly inhabiting the mainland and nearby islands. It is also found in Indonesia and East Timor.

The zebra finch thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, often found in grasslands, savannas, and shrublands. It prefers open environments with scattered trees and shrubs, where it can easily forage for seeds and insects. The climate in its native habitat is typically dry with seasonal variations in temperature.

Zebra finches play an important role as seed dispersers and as a prey species for larger birds and mammals. They are highly adaptable and can survive in a variety of environmental conditions, which has allowed them to thrive in both natural and modified landscapes. Their ability to exploit a range of food sources, primarily seeds and occasionally insects, helps them to occupy a stable ecological niche within their habitats.