White-rumped Munia

Lonchura striata

Family: Munias, Parrotfinches, Waxbills, and Allies · Status: Rare resident and rare introduced resident · Size: 11–11.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs across the Indian subcontinent, China, and mainland Southeast Asia south to Sumatra.

Identification

Adult similar to Javan Munia but has darkish brown plumage with fine pale shaft-streaks on the mantle and a diagnostic whitish rump and belly. Juvenile resembles adult but dark parts paler and browner, and rump and belly buffy-tinged.

Habitat

Grasslands, marshes, tall reeds and grasses, especially near water bodies.

Behaviour

Gregarious; feeds mainly on seeds and also algae.