Java sparrow
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The Java Sparrow, or Java Finch ( Padda oryzivora ) is a small passerine bird. This estrildid finch is a resident breeding bird in Java, Bali and Bawean. It is a popular cagebird, and has been introduced in a large number of othercountries.
The Java Sparrow is a very gregarious bird which feeds mainly on grain and other seeds. It frequents open grassland and cultivation, and was formerly a pest in rice fields, hence its scientific name. The nest is constructed in a tree or building, and up to eight eggs are laid.
The Java Sparrow is 17cm in length. The adult is unmistakable, with its grey upperparts and breast, pink belly, white-cheeked black head and thick red bill.
The sexes are similar, but immature birds have brown upperparts and paler brown underparts and cheeks. The rest of their head is dark grey rather than black, and the bill is grey with a pink base.
The call is a chip, and the song is a raid series of call notes chipchipchipchipchipchip.
Java Sparrow is now uncommon in its native range, due to trapping for the cage bird trade and for human consumption.
Reference
- Finches and Sparrows by Clement, Harris and Davis, ISBN 0-7136-8017-2