What are these birds in my garden?

[biddyboo]

Lately, I've spotted a pair of birds in my garden that I've never seen before and I can't figure out what they are. They are very small (smaller than a sparrow), they're light grey with a lighter underside and have very distinctive bright orange beaks. I've tried various bird ID things but haven't come up with anything. Any ideas? I have tried to take a picture but the quality was rubbish when I zoomed in and then they flew off!

Zebra finches maybe.

It's very left field but could they be escaped zebra finches? Apparently they can survive in the wild in the UK for a spell.

Yes, that is what they are! So they likely to be escaped pets?

I think so; I'm pretty sure they don't live wild in the UK. Is it at all possible to tempt and catch them with some food and put out a message on any local groups online?

Apparently they're pretty tame as they've been bred as pets for a long time. There was an exhibition at the Barbican in London a while ago that had a roomful of them flitting about on cymbals/stringed instruments and 'playing' them. If you stood still for more than a moment they'd come and perch on your head/shoulder/bag. They were very sweet.

They make a funny noise, if that's what they are!

Get the merlin bird app, either take a photo or record sound for identification