From Opus

Photo by Romy Ocon
Infanta, Pangasinan Province, Philippines, October 2005

Lonchura oryzivora

Padda oryzivora

[edit] Identification

17 cm

• Grey upperparts and breast
• Pink belly
• White-cheeked black head
• Red eye-ring
• Pink feet
• Thick red bill
  

Juvenile
Photo by Karim Madoya
Tanjung Aru, Malaysia, December 2006

Sexes similar
Immature birds:

• Brown upperparts
• Lighter brown underparts and cheeks
• Remainder of the head is dark grey (as opposed to black)
• Grey bill with a pink base

[edit] Distribution

Indonesia: found in Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Kangean Islands; introduced to Christmas Island.

In addition, it is found in the cage bird trade, and populations originating in escaped individuals are found elsewhere, for example in Puerto Rico.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species^[1]. which belongs to the Estrildidae. Its closest relative seems to be the Timor Sparrow. Some authorities¹, ² place this bird in genus Padda.

[edit] Habitat

Open grassland low bushes and scrub. Often seen near towns.

[edit] Behaviour

[edit] Diet

Diet includes grain and other seeds.

[edit] Breeding

The nest is built in a tree or building. The clutch consists of up to 8 eggs.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2007. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to October 2007. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019
2. Avibase
3. Wikipedia
4. The species account from Birdlife International with detailed information about status in the original distribution area

• List of references

[edit] External Links