Chestnut Munia

Chestnut Munia

Scientific Name: Lonchura atricapilla

Malay Name: Ciak-Padi Rawa Biasa

Chinese Name: 栗腹文鸟

Alternative Name(s): Black-headed Munia

Range: Found from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, South China, Taiwan to Southeast Asia

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: rubronigra, atricapilla, deignani, sinensis, batakana, formosana, jagori.

Local Subspecies: sinensis

Size: 11-11.5 cm

Identification: Adult has black hood that contrasts strongly with deep chestnut body, bluish-grey bill and darker belly-center/vent. Difficult to distinguish juvenile from Scaly-breasted Munia and White-headed Munia.

Similar looking species: Scaly-breasted Munia, White-headed Munia

Habitat: Grassland.

Behaviour/Ecology: Forages in large mixed flocks with Scaly-breated Munia and White-headed Munia.

Local Status: Uncommon resident and uncommon introduced resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Kranji Marsh, Lorong Halus, Punggol Barat, Tampines Eco Green, Tuas, Satay by the Bay, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.

References:

BirdLife International. (2016). Lonchura atricapilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22729138A95007301.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

Wells, D. R. (1999). The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula (Vol. 1). Academic Press, London.

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