Lonchura atricapilla
Least Concern
The Chestnut Munia, often called the Black-headed Munia, is a captivating small bird native to tropical Asia. This charming bird, recognized by its chestnut-colored body and contrasting black head, thrives in open habitats from grasslands to villages. Known for their social nature, these munias often mix with other species, adding a lively element to their surroundings.
Males and females have similar plumage
Chestnut
Brown
Black
Black, White
Chestnut
Brown
Short
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Black head and upper breast
Less pronounced, paler
Short and square
Short and square
11cm to 12cm
Length
14cm to 17cm
Wingspan
10g to 15g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Juvenile Chestnut Munia
Pair of Chestnut Munias
Chestnut Munia perching in long grass
Chestnut Munia sitting on a tree limb
Juvenile Chestnut Munia perching on a branch
Soft, high-pitched whistle
Series of soft, high-pitched whistles
Sharp chirp
Active during the day
Flocks, often mixed with other species
Not territorial
None
Congenial, mixes with other species
Seeds, Grains
Forages in grasses and on the ground
Morning and late afternoon
Picks seeds off stems or from ground
None
None
Grasslands, bushes, trees
Woven grasses into a ball-shaped nest
Varies with location
White
1.5cm x 1.1cm
4-7 eggs
13-14 days
21 days
Both parents incubate and feed the young
Tropical Asia from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines
Open habitats, grasslands, scrub, secondary growth, also towns and villages
Sea level to 1500m
None
Tropical, Subtropical
Tropical, Subtropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Introduced to Jamaica, Palau and Martinique
Resident or Present
Breeding
2
6
3 year(s)
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Monogamous
None
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat degradation
None specific, but occurs in many protected areas
Population appears stable
Other names:
Black-headed Munia, Java Sparrow
Family:
EstrildidaePopulation size:
Unknown
Population trend:
Stable
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
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