Lonchura
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The Munias, Mannikins and Silverbills are small passerine birds in the genus Lonchura of the estrildid finch family. They are resident breeding birds in of the Old World tropics, with most variety in southern Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to the Indonesia and the Philippines.
They are small gregarious birds which feeds mainly on seeds. Most are found in relatively open habitats. The nest is a large domed grass structure into which 4-10 white eggs are laid. Some species also build communal roosting nests for overnight rest.
The species in this genus are similar in size and structure, with stubby bills, stocky bodies and longish tails. Most are 10-12 cm in length. Plumage is usually a combination of browns, black and white, with the sexes similar, but duller and less contrasted immature birds.
The similarities within this group and the existence of subspecies with differing vocalisations and plumage mean that some races may be elevated to specific status. African and Indian Silverbill are now usually considered distinct species, and the two races of Black-throated Munia are often also split.
Species
- Genus Lonchura
- Madagascar Munia, Lonchura nana
- African Silverbill, Lonchura cantans
- Indian Silverbill, Lonchura malabarica
- Grey-headed Silverbill, Lonchura griseicapilla
- Bronze Mannikin, Lonchura cucullata
- Black-and-white Mannikin, Lonchura bicolor
- Brown-backed Mannikin, Lonchura nigriceps
- Magpie Mannikin, Lonchura fringilloides
- White-rumped Munia, Lonchura striata
- Javan Munia, Lonchura leucogastroides
- Dusky Munia, Lonchura fuscans
- Black-faced Munia, Lonchura molucca
- Black-throated Munia, Lonchura kelaarti
- Scaly-breasted Munia, Lonchura punctulata
- White-bellied Munia, Lonchura leucogastra
- Streak-headed Munia, Lonchura tristissima
- Black-headed Munia, Lonchura malacca
- Chestnut Munia, Lonchura atricapilla
- White-capped Munia, Lonchura ferruginosa
- Cream-bellied Munia, Lonchura pallidiventer
- Five-colored Munia, Lonchura quinticolor
- White-headed Munia, Lonchura maja
- Pale-headed Munia, Lonchura pallida
- Grand Munia, Lonchura grandis
- Grey-banded Munia, Lonchura vana
- Grey-crowned Munia, Lonchura nevermanni
- Hooded Munia, Lonchura spectabilis
- Grey-headed Munia, Lonchura caniceps
- Mottled Munia, Lonchura hunsteini
- New Ireland Munia, Lonchura forbesi
- New Hanover Munia, Lonchura nigerrima
- Yellow-rumped Munia, Lonchura flaviprymna
- Chestnut-breasted Munia, Lonchura castaneothorax
- Black Munia, Lonchura stygia
- Black-breasted Munia, Lonchura teerinki
- Snow Mountain Munia, Lonchura montana
- Alpine Munia, Lonchura monticola
- Bismarck Munia, Lonchura melaena
Reference
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
- Birds of The Gambia by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, ISBN 1-873403-32-1