These beautiful Java Sparrows (also known as Java Finches or Java Rice Birds, among many other names) look like they would make impressive pets. Unfortunately, many people think they would like one and increased trapping of these birds for pets, often illegally, has caused the decrease of Java Finches in their native habitat.
Habitat
Java Finches are native to Indonesia, living predominantly on the islands of Bali and Java. Feral populations have also established in Asia, Fiji and Africa.
Java Finches prefer to live in open grassland or woodland.
Description
At 14 - 15cm long and weighing approximately 20g, Java Finches have a black head, nape, chin, upper tail and band across the end of their wings. They have white check patches, a cinnamon brown belly, a white under tail and a blueish grey chest, rump, wing, back and mantel.
Java Sparrows are commonly mistaken for Timor Sparrows and vice versa.
Diet
Java Sparrows diet consists mainly of rice although they will occasionally eat wild grains and seeds.
Threats
Java sparrows are under threat from illegal trade as cage birds. This removes them from their habitat and prevents reproduction.
Hunting and habitat loss are also contributing to the decline of Java Finches.
How to Help?
Currently, their are four protected areas where Java Sparrows can thrive - Cikepuh Wildlife Reserve, Baluran and Meru Betiri National Parks on Java, and Bali Barat National Park on Bali.
ICUN Red List has also proposed that trapping of sparrows for pets should be decreased with stricter restrictions on trade of captive birds.
References
Hamilton Zoo - https://hamiltonzoo.co.nz/our-animals/birds/java-sparrow/
The Spruce Pets - https://www.thesprucepets.com/java-finches-as-pets-390633
Finch Information Centre - http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/species/java_sparrow.php
Singing Wings Avery - https://www.singing-wings-aviary.com/javas.htm
Birdsville - https://birdsville.net.au/birds-for-sale/finch/non-native-finches/java/
ICUN Red List - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22719912/131809903
Java Finches are native to Indonesia, living predominantly on the islands of Bali and Java. Feral populations have also established in Asia, Fiji and Africa.
Java Finches prefer to live in open grassland or woodland.
Description
At 14 - 15cm long and weighing approximately 20g, Java Finches have a black head, nape, chin, upper tail and band across the end of their wings. They have white check patches, a cinnamon brown belly, a white under tail and a blueish grey chest, rump, wing, back and mantel.
Java Sparrows are commonly mistaken for Timor Sparrows and vice versa.
Diet
Java Sparrows diet consists mainly of rice although they will occasionally eat wild grains and seeds.
Threats
Java sparrows are under threat from illegal trade as cage birds. This removes them from their habitat and prevents reproduction.
Hunting and habitat loss are also contributing to the decline of Java Finches.
How to Help?
Currently, their are four protected areas where Java Sparrows can thrive - Cikepuh Wildlife Reserve, Baluran and Meru Betiri National Parks on Java, and Bali Barat National Park on Bali.
ICUN Red List has also proposed that trapping of sparrows for pets should be decreased with stricter restrictions on trade of captive birds.
References
Hamilton Zoo - https://hamiltonzoo.co.nz/our-animals/birds/java-sparrow/
The Spruce Pets - https://www.thesprucepets.com/java-finches-as-pets-390633
Finch Information Centre - http://www.finchinfo.com/birds/finches/species/java_sparrow.php
Singing Wings Avery - https://www.singing-wings-aviary.com/javas.htm
Birdsville - https://birdsville.net.au/birds-for-sale/finch/non-native-finches/java/
ICUN Red List - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22719912/131809903