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Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora)
Location: Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii
This is a pair of Java Sparrows (Padda oryzivora). Despite the common name, these birds actually are a kind of finch, not a true sparrow. Their beaks certainly do look more finchy than sparrowy, don't you think?
They are native to the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali. It is believed that they first arrived here in Hawaii in the mid-nineteenth century as caged birds, and either escaped or were set free. Environmental conditions in Hawaii must suit them, because Java Sparrows are plentiful now, particularly on the island of Oahu. We began seeing them in our area of the Big Island about 10 years ago. Java Sparrows love seeds, so they are enthusiastic visitors to our bird feeders.
11 comments:
Beautiful picture, these are very handsome birds. I am curious, has their arrival caused any problems for the native bird species?
These are beautiful, and I agree they do look more like a Finch. I've seen caged finches that look amazingly just like them.
That's a very beautiful bird you have there, well captured and composed.
This is not only a perfect and beautiful photo, the birds are beautiful as well. Great job!
:-)
Thank you all. I think they're quite handsome birds, too.
Bobbie
These birds are terrific looking and their beak does look like a finches or like a Grosbeaks, but also for some reason they remind me of Puffins. Great picture.
ann
beautiful bird.
This is such a perfect picture and the post is informative too! Couldn't resist commenting! :)
So THAT'S what they are! I've seen them around and didn't know what kind of bird they were.
I agree, they are more like a finch. You captured them beautifully!
Thank you all.
@ Ann - You are not the first person who has thought that these birds remind them of Puffins.
@ Kay - So now you know!
Bobbie
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