Java Society Of Bangladesh 2.97

Java Sparrows (Padda oryzivora), also known as Java Rice Birds and Java Temple Birds, are one of the most attractive of all finches. They are hardy, colorful, easy to breed and relatively inexpensive. The Javas are well known for their impeccable, slick plumage. They have been popular throughout the ages and are often depicted in both modern and ancient Oriental art.

The Java Sparrow originates from Southern Asia, where it can be found in Java, Bali, and Sumatra. Here they are regarded as a serious agricultural pest in rice fields. Just look at their scientific name for evidence. Padda stands for Paddy, the method of cultivating rice. The word Oryza is the genus for domestic rice, Therefore, Padda oryzivora in translation means rice paddy eater. Many thousands of wild Javas are destroyed each year as farmers wage a never ending war against them. Despite this battle, the species continues to thrive in its native homeland and is very abundant. Java Rice Birds have also been successfully introduced and naturalized in many regions around the world (intentional or accidental?). For example, they are established in China, Japan, Borneo, several regions in Africa, the Hawaiian Islands, and there are even documented reports of a colony in a suburb of Miami, Florida. Apparently there have been many other introductions elsewhere but these did not persist for any length of time.