Java Sparrow

The java sparrow, a small bird species of the estrildid finch family, originating from Asia, is commonly found in Bali, Bawean, and Java in Indonesia. Its popularity in aviculture has resulted in its introduction to several other countries.

Although it is hard to spot a visual difference between the two sexes, the males have a swelling at the top of their bill during the breeding season. The bill turns redder with the formation of a distinct ridge. As compared to the female birds, the males have a much darker eye ring.

Scientific Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Estrildidae
Genus	Lonchura
Scientific Name	Lonchura oryzivora

Quick Information
Other Names	Java temple bird, rice bird, java rice finch, paradise sparrow, paddy bird, rice munia
Size	Around 14-15 cm (5.5 inches) in length
Weight	Approximately 20 g
Color	Black head, chin, nape, upper tail, and primary wing feathers, white cheek patches with black outlines, bluish-gray chest, rump, secondary wings, back, and mantle, cinnamon brown belly with white under tail
Distribution	Indonesian islands, introduced to Sri Lanka and other parts of the Indian subcontinent, several Hawaiian Islands, Puerto Rico and Jamaica in the Caribbean, and Christmas Island
Habitat	Open woodlands, grasslands, beach forests, savannas, cultivated lands (specifically the areas that grow rice)
Sound and call	A distinctive chip call while its song comprises of a series of chipchipchipchipchipchip
Clutch	4-8 Eggs
Incubation period	13-15 days
Fledge date	At an age of 21-30 days
First molt	After three months
Lifespan	2-3 years in captivity, up to 7 years in the wild
Diet	Wild seeds, grains, paddy rice
IUCN Conservation Status	Vulnerable

Varieties

In captivity, several color mutations have been produced including the Pied or White Java, Fawn or Cinnamon Java, Dark Silver and Light Silver Java, Cream Java, Black Headed Java Sparrow and the Agate Java.

As a pet

These finches make a great pet for those looking to keep an obedient and passive bird.

Housing

It does best when kept in groups consisting of large finches like munias and weavers or with other java finches. Providing a large flight or cage with a minimum dimension of 12 ft X 4 ft X 7 ft is recommended. Wooden perches placed horizontally in the cage give it ideal roosting spots while the swings, ladders, and other bird toys keep it active both mentally and physically.

Nest

These sparrows often do not accept small nest boxes, but prefer anything between a standard box (measuring 5 inch X 5 inch) and a larger version (with dimensions of 8 inch X 8 inch). Although they are not good at building nests, they occasionally make use of shredded paper and some rough materials like coconut fiber, pine needles, and hay to construct a nest. You may also place some sawdust at the bottom of the nest to create a perfect base for them to settle down and lay eggs.

Temperature

Despite being resilient to wide-ranging temperatures, the rice bird avoids breeding in extremely hot as well as cold conditions. It should be kept in heated cages if the temperature plummets below 25°F.

Temperament and Behavior

Even though its stature could be intimidating for the more unassertive birds, its calm and nonaggressive disposition makes it highly sociable like most finch species. When kept in a group of finches, it often displays its outgoing nature by cleaning the feathers of other flock members with its beak.

Feeding

Its basic diet should include a parakeet mix comprising oat groats, plain canary seeds, and white proso millets. Give adequate amounts of grit, crushed eggshells, green food, and mealworms, especially during its breeding season.

Care

Maintain proper hygiene by cleaning your pet’s cage quite frequently. Since it is fond of bathing, placing a dish containing fresh water in its cage is recommended.

Health problems

Since it is not known to suffer from any severe health issues, this finch is considered a hardy species. Check out its feather conditions regularly, as ruffled feathers usually indicate illness. You may consult an experienced vet if you are not sure about your pet’s condition.

Price

A Java sparrow costs around $6-$36.

Interesting facts

• It is referred to as an agricultural pest in Southern Asia since it harms crops in paddy fields.
• According to historical records, it was commonly kept as pets by the Ming rulers in China. Even the Japanese prints and paintings from the seventeenth century have its depiction.
• Although both the sexes can call, only the males are known to have a song. They also display courtship by performing a dance routine.

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Java_sparrow
2. http://www.efinch.com/species/java.htm
3. http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/species/java_sparrow.php
4. https://beautyofbirds.com/java-finches/
5. http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=8734
6. https://eol.org/pages/45511037
7. http://www.zebrafinch.com/JavaRice/Java.html
8. http://www.zebrafinch.com/JavaRice/Care_of_Javas.html
9. http://www.zebrafinch.com/JavaRice/Sexing_Javas.html
10. https://www.thesprucepets.com/java-finches-as-pets-390633