White-headed Munia

Scientific Name: Lonchura maja
Malay Name: Ciak-Padi Uban Barat
Chinese Name: 白头文鸟

Range:
Found from the Thai-Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Java and Vietnam

Taxonomy:
Monotypic.

Size: 11.5 cm

Identification:
Adult has pale white head, vinous-brown collar, milk chocolate brown body, wings and tail with a large black belly patch. Difficult to distinguish juvenile from Scaly-breated Munia and Chestnut Munia.

Similar looking species: Chestnut Munia

Habitat: Grassland

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

Local Status: Uncommon resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

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

Photos:

White-headed Munia at Tampines Bike Trail. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

White-headed Munia at Jurong West Street 22. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

White-headed Munia at Jurong West Street 22. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

White-headed Munia at Jurong West Street 22. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

External Links:
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Photos: Oriental Bird Images
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link

References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Lonchura maja. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. Downloaded on 2 September 2021
Robson, C. (2008). A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia. New Holland Publishers.
Wells, D. (1999). Birds of Thai-Malay Peninsula. Academic Press.