Java Sparrow - BirdForum Opus

Alternative names: Java Rice Sparrow; Java (Rice) Finch; Java Rice Bird; Java Temple Bird

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

Padda oryzivora

Lonchura oryzivora

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

Distribution

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

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.

Habitat

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

Behaviour

Diet

Diet includes grain and other seeds.

Breeding

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

References

1. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, S. M. Billerman, T. A. Fredericks, J. A. Gerbracht, D. Lepage, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2021. The eBird/Clements checklist of Birds of the World: v2021. Downloaded from https://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
2. Avibase
3. Wikipedia
4. The species account from Birdlife International with detailed information about status in the original distribution area

• List of references

Recommended Citation

• BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Java Sparrow. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 29 April 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Java_Sparrow

External Links

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