JAVA SPARROW

also called Ricebird (species Padda oryzivora), bird of the mannikin group in the family Estrildidae (order Passeriformes), one of the best-known cage birds. It is an attractive pet that chirps and trills. Native to Java and Bali, it has become established in the wild elsewhere in Asia. Also called paddy bird, it may form large flocks that damage grain. It is 14 cm (5.5 inches) long and mostly gray, with pinkish underparts, a large white ear patch, and a stout, red bill.