FINCHforum

Hi All,

I have recently acquired additional Zebra Finches to my double flight. I have included a picture for your reference. I am having difficulty in determining the sex of the black cheek finches. I am hoping some of you will be able to assist me with determining the sex.

Thanks

Hi Warren!
It's a bit hard to tell from that photo, but it looks like the left bird on the front perch with the two birds may be a male as it looks like he may have chest bars ? Same with the bird to the far left on the perch in the background with the three birds.
But it's hard to tell from this image.

I'd look at the darker beak color and I'd look for the chest bars to ID the males.

See this page on this particular mutation. There's a good example of a male and female:
http://efinch.com/species/bczeb.htm

Yes, I agree. Both birds with the black cheeks appear to be males (if you're referring only to the two black cheek finches). Really nice birds!

Yes, BCs are pretty basic and easy to sex. Males have a black chest and spotted flanks, where the females don't.
Enjoy them! They are easy to breed and one of my favorites.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies! I am somewhat familiar with Zebra Finches however; never had a BC. The reason I asked is that I have two pairs male/female who are "together" and the other male/female have not formed a pair. I am not sure if this is because I only have two nests in the flight or if they are incompatible?

Thoughts?

It amazes me, the hundreds of zebras I've had, how vastly different their personalities are. I wouldn't be surprised if they just haven't clicked yet. Not really sure. I've had birds that said, "There is no possible way I'm mating with THAT" only to be in love soon thereafter. I'm still trying to figure out the dynamics.