The Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia castanotis) is the most widespread and common Australian Grassfinch, and is well known worldwide because it is easy to keep and breed in captivity. Zebra Finches are most common in the drier parts of Australia, and usually occur in small flocks, although much larger flocks do occur. Zebra Finches are seed eaters and also take insects, particularly when feeding their chicks. They depend on having access to permanent water and have extended their range because of the increased availability of water provided for stock on pastoral stations. This breeding pair at Wooleen Station were nesting in the roof space of a station building and were actively harvesting nesting material. The Zebra Finches found a large white feather – the male pecked at it briefly, then the female arrived and attempted to pull pieces of fluff from the feather barb by beating it on the ground. The wind then blew the feather a metre or so, and the female chased it before giving up and flying off.