25 Nov 2021

Java Sparrow – family unit

by | posted in: birds, Morphology-Develop. | 0

A family unit of 4 birds, 2 adults and 2 immature Java Sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora); note the brown in the plumage of the 2 birds in the background in the above image. The head is also not as black.

A close view of one of the immature birds is in the above image. The immature birds were self-feeding but occasionally would try and get food from the adults, but were not given any.

The above image shows an adult feeding on Commelina diffusa (nudiflora), the growing tips of leaves. I had posted on this food source for Java Sparrows some years ago HERE. Commelina diffusa is a herb harvested for local use as a food or medicine. The plant is known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as good nutritional & mineral content (vitamin C, B3 & B2, Na, Ca, Mg). The plant is also a novel source for gold nanoparticles. I have found the Java Sparrows astute at feeding on plants with good nutritional/medicinal value.

 

Amar-Singh HSS (Dato’ Dr)

Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

 

Location: Outskirts of Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Habitat: Semi-urban

Date: 22nd June 2020

Equipment: Equipment: Nikon D500 SLR with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, handheld with Rode VideoMic Pro Plus Shotgun Microphone

 

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Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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