Passeriformes / Estrildidae / Lonchura
White-rumped Munia
Lonchura striata · 白腰文鸟
Introduction
A small passerine bird in the family Estrildidae, native to tropical continental Asia and adjacent islands, with naturalized populations in parts of Japan. It inhabits open woodland, grassland, scrub, and agricultural land. The species is gregarious, feeds mainly on seeds, and builds large domed grass nests. It is not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.
Description
Approximately 10 to 11 cm in length, with a stubby grey bill and a long black pointed tail. Adults are brown above and on the breast, lighter below, with a white rump. Subspecies vary in coloration: L. s. acuticauda is medium brown above and buffy below; L. s. striata is dark chocolate-brown above and white below. Sexes are nearly indistinguishable, though males may have a bulkier head and bill.
Distribution & Habitat
Native range extends from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia to southern China, Taiwan, and Sumatra. Six subspecies occupy specific regions: L. s. acuticauda in northern India, Himalayas foothills, Bangladesh, and northern Indochina; L. s. striata in southern India and Sri Lanka; L. s. fumigata in the Andaman Islands; L. s. semistriata in the Nicobar Islands; L. s. subsquamicollis in the Malay Peninsula to southern Indochina; and L. s. swinhoei in east central and east China and Taiwan. Naturalized in parts of Japan.
Behavior & Ecology
Gregarious, feeding mainly on seeds in groups through undergrowth, sometimes accompanying other species like puff-throated babblers. Observed near water feeding on algae, possibly obtaining protein from Spirogyra in paddy fields. Nests are large domed grass structures built in trees, bushes, or grass, containing three to eight white eggs. Often uses abandoned nests of the Baya weaver.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Lonchura
Subspecies (6)
-
Lonchura striata acuticauda
northwestern India from Uttarakhand eastward to Myanmar and northern Thailand
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Bird images and sounds sourced from GBIF, contributed by citizen scientists worldwide under Creative Commons licenses.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.
