Bengalese Finch Lonchura (striata) domestica

The Bengalese or Society Finch has the distinction of never being known in the wild; it is known only as a cage/aviary bird and is reputed to be a stable hybrid created by aviculture in the Far East centuries ago. It is genetically related to the White-rumped Munia/Striated Finch (Lonchura striata).

A sociable bird, male and female have similar plumage. They tend to be busybodies but good community citizens and the hens are good foster mothers for other species of finch.