The Bengalese or Society Finch (Lonchura striata) is a domesticated form of the Sharp-tailed Munia and does not appear in the wild. They occur in many color mutations and are often used as foster parents for other finches that may refuse to look after their own chicks.

Bengalese will nest in just about anything and usually raise their own chicks without much difficulty. If foster-raising chicks of more insectivorous finches it may be necessary to get them eating livefood. They should be given a good quality finch mix with the addition of egg food if breeding.

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