The Java Sparrow (Padda oryzivora), introduced in Malaysia due to the bird cage trade, have a large diet that I have observed; predominantly of a variety of grass seeds and leaves. My observations include:
1. Axonopus compressus (Tropical Carpet Grass) – feeding on the seeds.
2. Chrysopogon aciculatus (Love Grass) – feeding on the seeds.
3. Tridax procumbens (Coatbuttons/Tridax Daisy) – feeding on the seeds (achene).
4. Panicum bulbosum – feeding on the seeds.
5. Panicum bisulcatum – feeding on the seeds.
6. Bamboo seeds.
7. The grain of many other long grasses especially the Panicum group (Panic Grass).
8. Rice put out to feed sparrows and munias.
9. Commelina diffusa (nudiflora) – feeding on the growing tips of leaves.
10. Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) – feeding on the succulent stems of young leaves.
11. I have also observed Coprophagia (the consumption of faeces, possibly for the grain included).
12. One observation of feeding on a fruit of a wayside bush (ID unknown).
On this occasion at Ipoh, Perak, I observed a small flock of 15 adults and juveniles feeding on the seeds of Bidens pilosa (Spanish Needle, Hitch Hikers) (see images 1-3 of adults & juveniles, note seeds in the beak). Bidens pilosa is an exotic (not native) and originates from Mexico, Tropical & Sub-tropical South America.
