Javan Munia

Scientific Name: Lonchura leucogastroides
Malay Name: Ciak-Padi Jawa
Chinese Name: 黑喉文鸟

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

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 11.5 cm

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.

Similar looking species: White-rumped Munia

Habitat: Various habitats including grasslands, marshes, mangroves, forest, secondary growth, gardens and parks.

Behaviour/Ecology: Usually forage for seeds in grasslands but has also been observed searching tree foliage apparently not for seeds.

Local Status: Uncommon introduced resident.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Kranji Marsh, Lorong Halus, Sungei Buloh, Satay by the Bay, Jurong Eco Garden, Murai, Central Catchment Forest (Dillenia Hut) and East Coast Parkway,

Javan Munia. Photo Credit: Zahidi Hamid

Javan Munia at Lorong Halus. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Javan Munia at Satay by the Bay. Photo Credit: Francis Yap