PNEUMATIZATION OF THE CRANIUM OF THE ZEBRA FINCH TAENIOPYGIA CASTANOTIS

Summary The process of cranial pneumatization in the Zebra Finch Taeniopygia castanotis is substantially similar to that described in the House Sparrow Passer domesticus, but is completed somewhat earlier. Full pneumatization of the cranium is usually attained between 138 and 153 days from hatching, though in some birds it may be retarded. A series of diagrams, representing 41 stages in the process, enables the ages of young birds to be established.