What do we mean by zebrafinch "english type"?

What a zebra finch of the English type ! Positive and negative points, advice before acquiring some. What can the English type bring to a strain.

The term English type for some zebrafinch is sometimes used, but what is meant by "English type" !?
Can this type of bird (see video) qualify as an English type ?
Where is it enough that the bird comes from England ? ... Or on the contrary, is it even more typical !?

Young zebrafinch of English type in video :

Warning ! It remains a zebrafinch, it does not change species, subspecies or genus ! He was just brought up with other points of view.
So named because it is the English breeders who developed this more assertive type through selection.
The English type comes from the vision of breeders in this country, and therefore from their selection. Ultimately, the English breeders selected above all the physical characteristics (size, morphology, etc.) most often putting these characteristics ahead of the color and the designs.

Following what I observed (and after 2 trips to Welsh breeders) I give you in what follows my point of view.

Breeders zebrafinch

From left to right Adrien Rooses, Wayne Davies, Ricky Thomas, Tony Lombard.
Photo from June 2016 during a meeting in Wales.

1. Comparison of différent type

a) To compare, here is the type that we know more commonly, called "continental":

Zebra finch female Zebra finch male

b) Some pictures now of said "English type":

Zebra finch english

We can observe that this more assertive type is characterized (in the best subjects) by a round head with a broad forehead, a short and conical bill, a chest and a broad and powerful neck, in general a very satisfactory size.

2. Appreciations (positive and negative points)

The type of zebra finch called "English" comes close, for me, to many standards that can serve as a benchmark: "Type: Impression of strength - Short and stocky size - Round head - Compacted neck - Chest relatively broad and round... " (which you can consult at the various ornithological associations and clubs).

I would therefore say that a larger head with a short beak, a powerful chest and neck as well as a very good size, in short a consistent structure are not insignificant qualities to improve a strain, the breeder then to know how to get it. profit. Be careful though with excess, stomach on the perch, too long rains, etc.
We generally observe calm and not very shy birds in this selection.

3. Tips before purchasing an English-type zebrafinch

Before acquiring this type of zebrafinch, took the bird in hand ! To know if it is really a "ball" of flesh rather than feathers. Also take into account that you will not always find this type of zebrafinch with all breeders in Great Britain.
This is not a giant zebra finch, as some people use it as a selling point (which is not honest breeders in my opinion).

4. Interests

Incorporating one of these zebra finches is interesting for your strain in order to recover these qualities. On the other hand you will certainly have work over a few generations to recover the colour and perhaps the drawings (depending on the chosen subjects). Choose the most judicious and complementary couplings accordingly.
Having achieved it, the business is doable, colour and designs recover better than a small size or a disastrous type (long beak, etc.). It is the work of a good breeder, observer, patient, persevering.
Also plan to work on the length of the feather, pair your English-type subjects with zebrafinch with tight feathers. Also do not neglect the colour intensives, which will allow you to work on this one.

Zebra finch gray

Most of the zebra finches presented in major exhibitions (Druten (Netherlands), Emines (Belgium), or other) are not rough birds. These are zebra finches that have been worked with the "English type". The breeder took the qualities of the English bird and improved those which were lacking (length of feathers for example).
By observing meticulously in the exhibits, we can see that there is indeed blood of this English type, we can see the benefits.

Evolution of the type of zebra finches

5. Conclusion

A zebrafinch with harmonious shapes, round without excess, without breakage, robust rather than slender with the pinched head will attract our eye !

The English type therefore makes it possible to advance our zebrafinch. The breeder who seeks, makes prevail the harmony of the forms, the pace and wants to improve the general form of the beak and the head, will be undeniably attracted by this evolution. Finally, this work having already been undertaken by some breeders, you can benefit from it by getting to know them.

Tony Lombard, amateur breeder.
Article published in 2020.

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Strain English Color Type format standard Selection Objective size

What do we mean by zebrafinch "english type"?

The crossing-over