Javan Munia

Lonchura leucogastroides

Family: Munias, Parrotfinches, Waxbills, and Allies · Status: Uncommon introduced resident · Size: 11.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Native to Java, Bali, and Lombok; likely feral in Sumatra. Introduced into Singapore by escape or deliberate release of captives, feral since the 1920s.

Identification

Adult has black face, throat, and upper breast, dark brown upperparts, and strongly contrasting white underparts. Juvenile has brownish face, throat, and upper breast, and pale buffish belly. Resembles White-rumped Munia but lacks the whitish rump.

Habitat

Grasslands, marshes, mangroves, forest, secondary growth, gardens, and parks.

Behaviour

Usually forages for seeds in grasslands; also observed searching tree foliage, apparently not for seeds.