Finches are lovely pets, inside and out.
They’re mild-mannered, stay small, eat a steady diet of seeds, and tend to be lower-maintenance as far as birds go. Give them plenty of space to hop around and socialize, and a handful of finches will reward you with a light, chirpy song.
Best of all, domestic finches are available in a rainbow of colors, from drab gray to a technicolor explosion. Not that you’d pick a pet based solely on looks, but it sure doesn’t hurt that these bouncy little birds are among the most striking pets on the market.
Here are five of the prettiest finches you can add to your aviary.
5. Zebra Finch
Look how cute these preppy little guys are!
Go to any pet store and it’s hard to miss the requisite flock of zebra finches popping around the cage, honking like they’ve swallowed tiny trumpets. They’re easy to find, inexpensive, and hardy. Even better, zebra finches stand out because they actually enjoy playing with humans, which makes them perfect for families and beginners.
I do, however, question their fashion choice of blending spots with stripes and wearing brown and black together.
4. Owl Finch
If you want a bird that makes even other bird owners go, “Wow, what kind of bird is that?” then you’re looking for an owl finch. Also known as the double-barred finch, clown finch, and Bicheno’s finch, these distinguished birds are best identified by their barn owl-like faces and bold black band. Okay, so he’s not all that colorful, but he does make an impact. And the females are almost as eye-catching!
Owl finches are less common birds that can be pricy, but they do make decent pets and don’t mind having cage mates. They’re chatty, but not as boisterous as other finches. There’s a lot to love here.
