FINCHforum

I have a pair of Java finches and I don't know much about them. My societys, gouldian cordon blues and stars are all fairly easy in knowing what they are planning, ie nest building, mating dances, songs etc. My Javas don't say much, they cheep a bit. I have noticed in the last few days the male has gone in the nest box and last night I notice the female in there with him. Do they do this to nest? or are they cold and trying to keep warm?

Java Sparrows will often sleep in a nest box, with or without nesting material, even if they aren't nesting. To actually breed, they will build a big nest (with straw, grass, coconut fibers, or burlap) inside the box.

Being larger birds with larger clutches of eggs, you should give Javas a parakeet / budgie sized box for breeding. Regular finch sized nest boxes or whicker baskets tend to be too small for them - though they may choose to sleep in them.

Javas are related to Societies (lately, Java Sparrows are considered a part of the Munia / Mannikin family, like Societies and Spice Finches). So their courtship behavior is similar. The male has a quiet sort of whispery song and he may hop gently on the perch next to the female.