Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora) is in the Waxbills and Allies family (Estrildidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,229 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in December.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
Conservation status (iNaturalist): EN.
When to photograph Java Sparrow: observations by month (U.S.)
About Java Sparrow
The Java sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora), also known as Java finch, Java rice sparrow or Java rice bird, is a small passerine bird. This estrildid finch is a resident breeding bird in Java, Bali and Bawean in Indonesia. It is a popular cage bird, and has been introduced in a large number of other countries. Some taxonomists place this and the Timor sparrow in their own genus Padda.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Java Sparrow by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 3,229 | December | Nov–Oct |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (Waxbills and Allies)
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Java Sparrow?
Nationally, December has the most observations, with the main season from November to October.
Where is Java Sparrow most often seen?
The most observations come from Hawaii.