The Biology of the
Society Finch

The Society finch (Lonchura striata) may be the finch that has been raised in captivity for the longest time. It was first named in 1766 by Linnaeus. Although the species is present in India, Thailand, and other places, it is believed the variety swinhoei from Southern China gave rise to the domesticated form common today. On the next few pages I will summarize some of the biology of this fascinating bird.