Java sparrow
Padda oryzivora
This finch was originally native to Java and Bali, in Indonesia. However, this bird has been a popular cage bird for centuries and the Java sparrow has now become established in many parts of the world, from Asia to Australia, Africa and North America. Trade in the bird is now banned except in a few countries such as China, Japan and Taiwan.
Male and female Java sparrows are equally pretty. However, it is easy to distinguish a male from a female as only the cock bird sings. He begins with single notes, like a bell, before developing into continuous trilling and clucking, mixed with high-pitched and deep notes. Its body length is 14 to 15 centimetres. It weighs around 25 grams.
IUCN Status
The IUCN status of the Java sparrow is near threatened.
For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org.
Animal class
Bird
Conservation status
The IUCN considers the Java sparrow to be facing a high risk of extinction in its native habitat. They are listed in Appendix II by CITES.
Habitat
Forest, mangrove and grasslands
Population
The population of the Java sparrow is declining. It is estimated that there are less than 10,000 in the wild.
Diet
Herbivore. Java sparrows eat mainly grain and other seeds.