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Java Sparrow – new food source

YC Wee
on 8th June 2019

“Saw 6 Java Sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora) feeding on the Commelina nudiflora (has many names, commonly known as the Common Spiderwort) (above, below). I am not entirely certain what part of the plant they are actually feeding on. They were addressing the growing tips and I suspect eating the seed capsule, but it could be the very young leaves. Note that seeds for this plant measure only 1mm but are in a capsule measuring 2x4mm. I did not see them eat the flowers.

“The plant has been well studied and is known to have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as good nutritional and mineral content (vitamin C, vitamin B3 & B2, Na, Ca, Mg). I have found the Java Sparrows astute at feeding on plants with good nutritional value.

“An edited video of some feeding is shown above.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
15th April 2019

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Semi-Urban environment

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

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.

Other posts by YC Wee

Bird Society of Singapore: A credible alternative to the Nature Society’s Bird Group

11th December 2023

Singapore-Nature: 17. Citizen Science

30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

Singapore’s secret “garden”

20th July 2023

Singapore-Nature: 15. Looking versus studying birds

12th July 2023

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Any views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

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