Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) and the socalled bengalese finch (Lonchura striata). Rearing of young zebra finches by bengalese finches. Despite considerable differences in the appearance of the nestlings, the bengalese finches feed their own and the alien young equitably. At maturity zebra finches raised by foster parents direct their courtship behaviour exclusively at the latter species. They are therefore sexually imprinted by the alien species.