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Java Sparrow
BeginnerLonchura oryzivora
Most popular finch in Japan. Becomes very tame when hand-raised. Adorable red beak and round body shape.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
20〜28℃
Lifespan
7-10 years
Size
14-17cm
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Java sparrow seed mix, pellets, vegetables
About
The Java sparrow, also known as the Java finch, Java rice sparrow or Java rice bird, is a small passerine bird. This species in the family Estrildidae is a resident breeding bird in Java, Bali, and Bawean in Indonesia. It is a popular cage bird, and has been introduced into many other countries.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Java Sparrow
The Java Sparrow lives 7-10 years.
Size of the Java Sparrow
The Java Sparrow grows to 14-17cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Java Sparrow
The ideal temperature for the Java Sparrow is 20〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
Java, Bali, and Bawean, Indonesia
Lifespan
7-10 years
Size
14-17cm
Temperature
20〜28℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Java sparrow seed mix, pellets, vegetables
Care Guide
Housing
Use a cage at least 35 cm wide with a swing and varied perches, and offer a bath every day. Birds raised from chicks become very attached to people.
Diet & Feeding
Feed a small-seed finch mix as the staple, along with pellets, vegetables, polished rice and boiled egg.
Temperature
20-28°C (somewhat cold-sensitive)
Health & Cautions
More cold-sensitive than a budgerigar, so keeping it warm in winter is important. Common illnesses include air sacculitis and crop inflammation.
Notes
Jealous nature — watch compatibility with other birds
Hand-tameFinchBeginner-friendlyMost popular
Java Sparrow FAQ
QHow difficult is it to keep Java Sparrow?
A
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Java Sparrow?
A
The ideal temperature for Java Sparrow is 20〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Java Sparrow?
A
The average lifespan of Java Sparrow is 7-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
QHow large does Java Sparrow get?
A
Java Sparrow typically reaches 14-17cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
QWhat should I feed Java Sparrow?
A
Java Sparrow feeds on: Java sparrow seed mix, pellets, vegetables. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
QWhat is the typical price for Java Sparrow?
A
The price of Java Sparrow varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Morphs (Varieties)
Representative color morphs of the Java sparrow. White Java sparrow is recessive; cinnamon is sex-linked (denoted as recessive in this schema). Sakura Java sparrow is a type of pied.
RecessiveVisual only with two copies; one copy = het (carrier).
WhiteCinnamon (Fawn)
Other
SilverPied
A curated selection of notable morphs. Inheritance modes are a breeding-planning guide; actual appearance varies with combos.
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Lonchura oryzivora (Linnaeus, 1758)
Synonyms: Loxia oryzivora, Padda oryzivora
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
CITES Appendix IIIUCN EN · Endangered
Padda oryzivora (Java sparrow). CITES Appendix II, IUCN Endangered (EN).
Sources: CITES Appendices (valid from 25.05.2024)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Java Sparrow Listings
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