CM.ME.May.2363
Chestnut Munia (or Southern Black-Headed Munia)(Lonchuria Atricapilla)
Family Estrildidae (Weaver-finches)
This family consists of the weaver-finches, such as munia, silverbill, waxbill, avadavat and various finches. Amongst the most famous are the very colourful Gouldian Finches - the mascot for the computer monitor manufacturer, Viewsonic. Munias are grassland birds feeding mainly on seeds. They look big-headed and have a conical bill. They are gregarious, often forming mixed flocks with other munia species. The juveniles look alike between species; mostly plain brown with subtle differences. It is comical to see them landing on a stalk of tall grass and the stalk dropping down.
Singapore has 7 species. The most common is the Scaly-breasted Munia. The aptly named White-headed and Black-headed Munias are also common. The introduced Javan Munia used to be common, but is now uncommon. Another two introduced species are the uncommon Red Avadavat and the very rare White-capped Munia. The last species is the rare White-rumped Munia.
Other birds from this family seen around Singapore are escapees or releasees, e.g. Blue Waxbill, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Black-rumped Waxbill, Common Waxbill, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Indian Silverbill, Bronze Munia, Red-backed Munia, Java Sparrow. It is not surprising to see more of these introduced birds due to the pet bird trade and the practice of releasing animals for religious purpose.
CM.ME.May.2363
Chestnut Munia (or Southern Black-Headed Munia)(Lonchuria Atricapilla)
Family Estrildidae (Weaver-finches)
This family consists of the weaver-finches, such as munia, silverbill, waxbill, avadavat and various finches. Amongst the most famous are the very colourful Gouldian Finches - the mascot for the computer monitor manufacturer, Viewsonic. Munias are grassland birds feeding mainly on seeds. They look big-headed and have a conical bill. They are gregarious, often forming mixed flocks with other munia species. The juveniles look alike between species; mostly plain brown with subtle differences. It is comical to see them landing on a stalk of tall grass and the stalk dropping down.
Singapore has 7 species. The most common is the Scaly-breasted Munia. The aptly named White-headed and Black-headed Munias are also common. The introduced Javan Munia used to be common, but is now uncommon. Another two introduced species are the uncommon Red Avadavat and the very rare White-capped Munia. The last species is the rare White-rumped Munia.
Other birds from this family seen around Singapore are escapees or releasees, e.g. Blue Waxbill, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Black-rumped Waxbill, Common Waxbill, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Indian Silverbill, Bronze Munia, Red-backed Munia, Java Sparrow. It is not surprising to see more of these introduced birds due to the pet bird trade and the practice of releasing animals for religious purpose.