The two species of estrildid finch in the genus Taeniopygia, known as zebra finches, inhabit Australia and Indonesia. These birds commonly travel in large flocks and primarily consume seeds. It is believed that the zebra finches evolved in Australia, with two potential regions - northern or southeastern Australia - speculated as the likely origin of the genus. The current range of the species T. guttata may have been shaped by a Pleistocene glaciation event, during which the sea level receded by about 100 to 150 metres (330 to 490 ft), bringing the coasts of Timor and Australia closer together. This may have allowed T. castanotis, which was swept out to sea by cyclones, to spot the mountains near the west coast of Timor and make landfall on the island.