Perhaps the most popular finch due to its availability and price, the zebra finch has been kept in captivity for more than a 100 years. Because they are generally kept in pairs, zebra finches will not need you to keep them company — merely play the radio while you are out, and talk to them when you are in — other than that they will be fine on their own. The zebra finch is tiny, but is not the smallest of the finches. It gets its name from the zebra-like stripes across its neck, chest, and especially from its black and white barred tail. Most zebra finches will not want to be handled. They are not really “trainable” as a parrot type bird is. Occasionally you can find hand-raised finches, or you may have to hand-raise a baby yourself. In those cases you will have a finch that is bonded to people, and will happily perch on your shoulder or hand and be perfectly comfortable. Never try to force a finch to be “friendly” — this will likely terrify and stress the bird. Their calls consist of a lot of “peeping” and “beeping” sounds. They sound like tiny little car horns. While they will vocalize all day if they are happy, they are not loud; however, their calls can be quite persistent. If you are able to keep them outside, or by a window where they can hear birds, they will often respond to the wild birds calls.