Zebra & Society finch mating?

[ncummins]

I have an aviary with 12 society finches and 4 zebra finches, and I just had a nest of 8 zebra babies hatch a couple of weeks ago. I have been watching closely since they started to feather and fly...I think that they are society/zebra hybrids. Their coloring is nothing like their parents--they vary between nearly pure white with black tears, to light taupe with light pinkish-orange beaks, and dark chocolate with lots of white markings. One of the light colored ones has a lightly striped tail and the black tears, but also has white above it's beak like the society finches. The zebra moms weren't very attentive, as compared to the society girls...but they made a much more dense and tightly woven and padded nest than the societies. It worked--8 babies is quiet a large hatch. I did not force pairing. My understanding is that society and zebra finches can successfully reproduce, but that their babies are sterile like mules. I will try to post pictures soon.

[rainefeather19128]

anyone have more pictures of these hybrids?

[Gouldie]

I have a Male Zebra who has 'attached' himself to a female Society Finch! He sings the Society song!!! this is so strange! but wonderful to hear!!.....This is the first time to ever happen in my aviary....I'll be looking out for cross breeds!!.....

Gouldie

[ojha]

Originally Posted by macawlover

I actually breed zociety finches (zebra + society), so yes it's possible! Here's a picture of a previous baby:

breed zociety finches (zebra + society), = HYBRID no a single case with breeder HYBRID