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 has dark brown plumage with fine pale shaft-streaks on the mantle and upper tail coverts, a diagnostic white rump, and white underparts and brown undertail-coverts. Juvenile resembles adult but dark parts paler and browner, and rump and belly buff-tinged. Differs from Javan Munia in the white (not black) rump and generally paler brown colouration. Javan Munia also has an extensively black face and upper breast, and lacks pale mantle streaking. Juveniles of other Munia species are difficult to tell apart.

Habitat

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

Behaviour

Gregarious; feeds mainly on grass seeds, also taking algae from shallow water; usually in small flocks.