The Java Finch, (Padda oryzivora) is a gregarious little visitor to my backyard. It's unusual to see just one; instead they hang in loose groups and can make quite a racket when feeding. And as the scientific name suggests, they hail from places where they can dine on rice (Java, Bali, Sumatra). In fact, they are viewed as crop pests in these locations, and their numbers have dwindled there as well. Here on Oahu their numbers are growing, and they are now found in many of the neighboring islands. Their distinct markings make them easy to identify: bright red-pink bill, black head, and white cheeks. The body is a sleek, beautiful gray against the blush underbelly and pink legs. The juvies markings are browner and less distinct. |
2 Comments
Tai
6/2/2013 03:21:11 pm
The rice bird is a pest. They peck at the screens under the eaves of houses to gain access to nest. This produces lice and mites. They were first seen in the wild in the late eighties
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6/3/2013 05:05:42 am
Interesting....I never knew they originated from Indonesia. I don't remember seeing them while living there.
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