Indian Silverbill
Euodice malabarica
白喉文鸟
Introduction
A small estrildid finch, 11–11.5 cm in length, native to the drier regions of the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Distinguished by its conical silver-grey bill, buff-brown upperparts, white underparts, and contrasting dark wings with a white rump. Forms large foraging flocks of up to 60 individuals in grassland and scrub habitats. Feeds primarily on grass seeds, supplemented by insects and occasionally nectar from Erythrina trees. Occurs across Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Israel, with introduced populations established in Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United States, and southern France. IUCN Red List status not specified in source material.
Description
A compact finch measuring 11–11.5 cm in length with a sturdy, conical silver-grey bill. The upperparts are buff-brown, while the underparts are white with buffy flanks. The wings are dark, creating a sharp contrast with the conspicuous white rump. The tail is black and appears pointed due to feathers that reduce in length from the centre outward. The sexes are alike in plumage. Juveniles display buff underparts and have a shorter tail than adults. The diet consists mainly of grass seeds, with additional intake of insects and visits to nectar-bearing flowers, particularly those of Erythrina trees.
Identification
The combination of silver-grey conical bill, buff-brown upperparts, white underparts, dark wings, and white rump distinguish this species. The pointed tail appearance, caused by progressively shorter central feathers, is a useful识别特征. Sexes appear similar, unlike many estrildid finches where males show brighter plumage. Immatures are identifiable by buff-washed underparts and shorter tails. The species was formerly considered conspecific with the African silverbill, which it closely resembles.
Distribution & Habitat
Native range encompasses Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Israel. Inhabits dry open scrub, fallow land, and cultivation, sometimes occurring near water. Primarily a bird of the plains, though populations extend to approximately 1200 m elevation in sub-Himalayan regions. Introduced populations have become established in Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt (since 2019), the United States, Virgin Islands (possibly extinct), and Nice in southern France. While largely sedentary, some populations undertake seasonal movements.
Behavior & Ecology
Highly gregarious, occurring in flocks of up to 60 birds. Forages on the ground and low vegetation, constantly emitting a low cheeping or chirping contact call. Drinks water with a rapid sip-and-swallow action. Breeding season varies regionally: winter in southern India, post-summer in northern India. The untidy spherical nest of grasses, featuring a side entrance, is constructed in low thorny shrubs, often Acacia species. Frequently utilizes abandoned baya weaver nests, sometimes even those occupied by weavers, and may build beneath vulture or stork platform nests. Clutch size ranges from 4–8 white eggs, incubated by both parents for approximately 11 days. Cooperative breeding occurs, with multiple individuals observed attending nests. Old nests serve as year-round roosting sites. Females may lay eggs in nests of other pairs.
Conservation
Not evaluated in the provided source material. The species is described as common within its native range and has successfully established introduced populations across multiple regions, suggesting a stable conservation status.
Culture
No cultural significance, folklore, or mythological references provided in the source material.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Euodice
- eBird Code
- indsil
Distribution
Arabian Peninsula to southeastern Iran, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Sikkim
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.