Java Finch: Bird Species Profile

Small, beautiful, and quiet, the adorable Java finch has been trendy as a cage and aviary bird for many years. These birds require a "hands-off" approach to bird ownership, which is why they are a wonderful choice for both young and older bird owners who want a bird that is easy to care for. Their elegant in-cage flight maneuvers and soothing songs help put them among the most interesting small bird to keep and observe. However, you might need two or three; they need other finches to keep them company. And, check your local laws as some states ban the ownership of this bird.

Origin and History

As the name implies, the Java finch is native to the Indonesian islands, including Java, Bali, and Bawean. They can also be found in Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. In Java, this finch is a vulnerable species.

This Asiatic finch typically lives in large flocks on grasslands and savannas. The birds have also found a love for cultivated fields, particularly those growing rice. On many of its native islands, the farmers consider the bird a pest. The birds are banned in some areas where they are not native. If feral populations do arise, they are a threat to local agriculture.

Temperament

Java finches are little, social birds but often are far too timid for direct human interaction. Some pet owners have reported success in bonding with their finch, though.

Typically, they thrive in pairs or small flocks kept within a flight cage. These birds should not be a solo pet. In most cases, they will become depressed without another finch to keep them company.

Beyond that, these birds are quiet, passive, and non-aggressive. They can live with other species of finches, both large and small, without issue. A pair of Javas can be an excellent addition to a diverse aviary. The only time they show aggression is usually between two male Javas, and even that is minimal.

Speech and Vocalizations

The Java finch has very calming vocalizations with a signature chip-chip-chip song. Males court females with songs that include a coordinated clicking sound with their beak similar to a drum. This behavior is similar to how a human beatboxes or claps their hands along with a song.

Java Finch Colors and Markings

The natural coloring of the Java finch includes a gray back and a black head and tail feathers. They have grayish-cinnamon colored breasts and bellies and large white patches on their cheeks. Some people say they remind them of tiny penguins.

Another distinguishing characteristic of the Java finch is the thin orange ring around their eyes. They also have bright reddish-orange beaks and bright orange skin on their legs and feet. 

Both males and females of the species display the same coloring on their plumage. There are a few ways to tell the sexes apart, though it's not easy without a side-by-side comparison. For instance, the males have darker eyes and a slightly wider, blunter beak that swells at the top during the breeding season. The best way to sex these finches is to look at which bird is singing. While the females do call, only the males sing. It may take a male a long time to sing, though some birders say that after a week of isolation, most will. Differentiating between them can be difficult if you keep a group of finches, but you can do it with careful attention and banding.

Various color mutations of Java finches occur within the pet trade. These include pied javas, agate javas, black-headed javas, cinnamon or fawn javas, cream javas, dark silver and light silver javas, and white javas.

Caring for Java Finches

Because of their compact size, these finches have become very popular pet birds among those who have limited space and cannot house a larger bird species. If you are thinking of adopting a Java finch, then you may as well prepare yourself to take in at least two or three.

The cage required for Java finches should be large enough to allow flight and will vary based on how many birds you decide to keep. Generally, an aviary about 7-feet high would be ideal. However, if you cannot accommodate an aviary, you will need a cage that is at a minimum of 18 inches wide by 30 inches long by 18 inches high minimum with 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch bar spacing

Nesting boxes are not necessary unless you want to breed the birds. Provide plenty of perches, ladders, swings, and toys to keep them happy. They also enjoy bathing, so a dish of water for this purpose will be much appreciated.

Java finches are prolific breeders and will do so year-round except when it gets too hot or too cold. If you'd like to keep a non-breeding aviary, the best bet is to get same-sex pairs. As an alternative, remove nesting boxes or any laid eggs. To ensure your female doesn't jeopardize her health by continuously laying eggs to replace her "lost" eggs, plant fake eggs as decoys.

Common Health Problems

Java finches are known to be a very hardy species and rarely fall ill if cared for properly. A well-balanced diet will lower the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Like any birds, they can get several avian diseases passed from other birds, including:

• Aspergillosis: a fungal disease
• Bacterial infections
• Polyomavirus: a potentially deadly virus

Before introducing a new bird to your aviary, it is always best to quarantine your bird for six weeks and observe if your new bird exhibits any signs of ill health.

Diet and Nutrition

Although these birds have become famous for eating rice in the wild, their regular diet consists typically of seeds and fruits. In captivity, Java finches should be fed a good, high-quality seed mix. Feed your finches one to two teaspoons of good quality finch seed mix every day and offer a teaspoon of a specially formulated pellet food.

Many Java finch owners report success feeding them parakeet formulated mixes rather than finch food. Java finches will pick out any seeds they don't want and leave a considerable mess, so it's important to adapt the food to what they will eat.

Supplement their seed mix and pellets with nuts, grains, and finely chopped, bird-safe fruits and vegetables. Your birds will also enjoy crushed egg or oyster shells, which provides extra calcium. Most javas are not fond of cuttlebones.

Exercise

Like all finch species, these are incredibly active little birds that seem to have endless amounts of energy. A tall flight cage will give them the room to fly, play, climb, jump, and exercise.

These birds make ideal pets for people who don't have enough time to bond and interact with a parrot or other bird; they do not require out-of-cage playtime. As long they have another bird and plenty of toys, they're great at entertaining themselves.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Java Finch

These birds are illegal to possess in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Florida, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Wyoming, Maine, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Or, your state may require a permit to own this species. There is legislation pending regarding legal ownership of these birds in several states. Before getting a Java finch, check with your State's Fish & Wildlife Department.

Java finches are sold by breeders and can sometimes be found through adoption agencies. They can cost $50 to $100, depending on the color mutation. To find available birds, some online sources you can try include:

• The Finch Farm
• Bird Breeders
• Adopt a Pet

If you are going the breeder route, ask the breeder long they have been breeding and working with the species. If you can, tour their facility. Look for signs of good overall health of the flock. The birds should be active and alert with bright eyes, clean feathers, and full crops.

More Pet Bird Species and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar species, check out:

• Zebra Finch Species Profile
• Gouldian Finch Species Profile
• Canary Species Profile 

Otherwise, check out all of our other small bird species profiles.