Lonchura kelaarti
The Black-throated Munia (Lonchura kelaarti), a charming member of the Estrildidae family, is a small, gregarious passerine distinguished by its striking black throat and face, contrasting with an otherwise rich chestnut-brown plumage. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length with a wingspan of about 15-17 cm and weighing 10-15 grams, it possesses a stout, conical bill adapted for seed-eating. Key field marks include the extensive black on the head extending to the upper breast, often borde...
Primarily inhabiting grassy hillsides, scrub jungle, forest edges, clearings, and plantations, particularly in submontane and montane regions, typically at elevations from 600 to 2000 meters.
Feeds almost exclusively on small grass seeds, which it extracts efficiently with its specialized conical bill by gleaning from stalks and the ground.
Black-throated Munias are diurnal and highly social, often seen in small flocks of 6-20 individuals, sometimes associating with other munia species like the White-rumped Munia. They forage methodically for seeds, gleaning them directly from grass stalks and the ground, displaying an acrobatic abi...
The Black-throated Munia is a resident species primarily distributed across two distinct geographical areas: the Western Ghats mountain range in peninsular India and the central hill country of Sri Lanka. In India, its range extends through the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and parts of Mahar...
Least Concern
- The Black-throated Munia is endemic to the Western Ghats of India and the hill country of Sri Lanka, making it a highly sought-after species for birders visiting these regions. - Unlike many birds, both male and female Black-throated Munias look virtually identical, making sexing in the field q...