Lonchura atricapilla
The Chestnut Munia, *Lonchura atricapilla*, is a small, gregarious estrildid finch instantly recognizable by its striking glossy black head and throat that sharply contrasts with its rich chestnut-colored body. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches) in length and weighing between 10-15 grams, this species exhibits a short, conical, silvery-blue bill perfectly adapted for seed husking. Its plumage is largely monomorphic, with both sexes displaying the same vibrant coloration year-ro...
Found in open grasslands, reedbeds, rice paddies, agricultural fields, scrubland, and even urban parks and gardens. Primarily a lowland species, it can be found up to 1,800 meters in elevation.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on small grass seeds, particularly those of wild grasses and cultivated grains like rice. They supplement their diet with small insects, especially during the breeding season.
Chestnut Munias are highly diurnal and gregarious, spending most of their time foraging in large flocks and roosting communally in dense vegetation like reeds or tall grass, often in spectacular numbers. They employ a ground-gleaning foraging strategy, picking up seeds, but also deftly clamber on...
The Chestnut Munia is widely distributed across a vast area of South and Southeast Asia. Its native breeding range extends from eastern parts of the Indian Subcontinent (including northern India, Nepal, Bangladesh) through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, ...
Least Concern
- The Chestnut Munia was formerly widely known as the Black-headed Munia, a name that perfectly describes its distinctive head plumage. - It is considered an agricultural pest in some areas due to its voracious appetite for ripening rice grains. - Communal roosts can swell to thousands of individ...