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ESTRILDID FINCHES

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ESTRILDID FINCHES

We study color pattern variation within members of the Estrildidae family, part of the species-rich group Neoaves. Estrildid finches are small passerine birds distributed in Asia and Australia. We survey their color patterns and perform developmental work on non-threatened species that are tractable in the field, reproduce in captivity and display typical color domains with little sexual dimorphism. 

 

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Figure 4.jpg
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Figure 4.jpg

ZEBRA FINCHES

The  zebra finch (Taenopygia guttata) is an Australian songbird widely used in behavioral and developmental neurobiology. Contrary to other avian models (chick), it displays a sharp typical dorso-ventral color pattern: dark grey wings / upper body and light ventrum. Males also have a black and white striped chest, which gave this bird group its name.

Zebra finches have the technical advantages of both avian models (i.e., amenability to experimental embryology through in ovo manipulation) and genetic models (i.e., sequenced genome, availability of molecular tools, transgenic strategies).​

Estrildid finches

https://en.wikipedia.ord/wiki/Estrildidae

 

The zebra finch genome:

Article in Nature

Genome browsing

 

Transgenesis in zebra finches:

Article in PNAS

 

Zebra finches in science:

Songbirdscience

Zebrafinch.info

 

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