White-headed Munia

Lonchura maja

Malay name: Ciak-Padi Uban Barat · Chinese name: 白头文鸟

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

Range

Occurs in Vietnam, and from the Thai-Malay Peninsula through Sumatra, Java, Bali.

Identification

Adult has a white head, light brown body, wings, and tail, and lighter brown breast and nape. Juvenile brown above and buff below. Brown scalloped underparts and lack distinguish Scaly-breasted Munia; black hood and chestnut body distinguish Chestnut Munia. Juveniles of other Munia species are difficult to tell apart.

Habitat

Open grassland, marshes, reedbeds, rank grass, cultivation, and garden edges.

Behaviour

Forages in large mixed flocks with other Munias, taking seeds from the ground and by climbing grass stems.