Field Guide

White-Headed Munia

Lonchura maja

Aves › Passeriformes › Estrildidae › Lonchura

Conservation status: least_concern

The white-headed munia (Lonchura maja) is a small passerine bird belonging to the estrildid finch family. This species is often confused with, and referred to as, the Pale-headed munia which can be differentiated by tan coloured flanks which are lighter than the brown wings and also by the absence of the black belly.

How To Identify

It is a stocky, medium-sized finch characterized by a bright yellow plumage covering the body and wings, contrasted sharply by a brilliant white crown.

Habitat

They inhabit open grasslands, rice paddies, cultivated fields, and scrubland in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Behaviour

These birds are gregarious seed-eaters that forage in tight flocks on the ground, moving methodically through grass and agricultural areas while constantly vocalizing to maintain group cohesion.

Native Range

The White-headed munia is native to Southeast Asia, including countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Did You Know?

White-headed Munias are highly social birds that roost together in large, noisy flocks at night, often selecting the same roosting sites for years. They can consume up to 10% of their body weight in seeds daily, making them voracious foragers.

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