The finches of family Estrildidae are small birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are closely related to the true sparrows of family Passeridae. The estrilidid finches are gregarious and often seed-eaters with short, thick, but pointed bills. They vary from 8-17 cm. These finches are all similar in structure and habits, but vary widely in plumage colors and pattern. All the estrildids build large domed nests and lay 5–10 white eggs. Most are sensitive to cold and require a warm, usually tropical, habitat, although a few have adapted to the cooler climates of southern Australia.

They are not closely related to the Fringillid Finches.  [abstracted from Wikipedia]


Genus Lonchura

Mannikin, Nutmeg aka Scaly-breasted Munia aka Spice Finch Lonchura punctulata  
    Found: North America (escapees), Asia, Australia (introduced), Hawaii
Photographed by:   1) Durai Raj  2, 3, 4) DIck Daniels - Hawaii
4) Juvenile



Genus Padda

Finch, Java aka Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora   Found: North America (escapees), Asia, Australia (introduced), Hawaii (introduced),
Photographed by: 1, 3, 4)  DIck Daniels - Hawaii   2) Arthur Chapman