Java Sparrow

Padda oryzivora

The Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora), also known as the Java Finch or Java Rice Bird, is a small, socially inclined passerine bird native to the islands of Java, Bali, and Bawean in Indonesia. Known for its striking appearance, this bird features a sleek body with predominantly grey plumage, a distinctive white cheek patch, and a bold black head cap. Its pink beak and legs complement the subtle hues of its body, adding to its visual charm. Although primarily a granivorous bird, the Java Sparrow is particularly fond of rice and other grains, which has historically led to tensions with farmers due to crop depredation. Highly social by nature, these birds are often seen in large, noisy flocks, making their presence known through constant chattering and fluttering activity. In recent years, wild populations have dwindled due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade, leading to their classification as near-threatened. Nevertheless, their adaptability has allowed them to establish feral populations in other parts of the world, such as Hawaii, reinforcing their global appeal as both a cherished pet and an intriguing subject of avian observation.