The Timor sparrow, also known as Timor dusky sparrow, is a small passerine bird. The bird inhabits the grasslands and lowlands of the Timor archipelago with its distribution typically sparse. Its diet consists mainly of rice and seeds and is considered a rice pest in Timor-Leste.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
It occurs on Timor and adjacent islands such as Rote, mainly in open lowlands, dry grasslands, savannas, and cultivated landscapes. The species is closely associated with agriculture and often frequents rice paddies, fallow fields, and weedy edges. It also uses scrubby areas and village outskirts where seed-bearing grasses are abundant. Outside the breeding season it may wander locally in search of grain and seeding grasses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Timor sparrow, also called the Timor dusky sparrow, is an estrildid finch restricted to the Lesser Sundas, notably Timor and nearby islands. It is frequently seen around rice fields and is regarded locally as a rice pest. It resembles the Java sparrow but is browner overall and more subdued in coloration. Small flocks often forage together and can rapidly descend on ripening grain.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small flocks, especially outside the breeding season, foraging cohesively in fields and grasslands. Pairs likely nest in dense grasses, thatch, or sheltered cavities and may use human structures. They show strong site fidelity to productive feeding areas and may join mixed finch flocks when resources are patchy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, finch-like chips and twitters interspersed with higher metallic notes. Males give simple trills and conversational chirps during courtship and when maintaining contact within the flock.
Plumage
Overall dusky-brown to brownish-grey body with a darker head and cleaner, paler underparts; smooth, neat feathering typical of estrildid finches.
Diet
Primarily grass seeds and cultivated grains, notably rice and millets. They also take weed seeds from field margins and stubble. During breeding they may supplement with small invertebrates and soft plant material to feed young. Flocking behavior allows rapid exploitation of ripening crops.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in rice paddies, harvested fields, grassy fallows, and roadside verges with abundant seeding grasses. Often forages on the ground or clings to seed heads to strip grains, and readily uses agricultural edges near villages.
