Munias

 Munias are birds that mainly eat grass seed. Consequently they have large conical bills.  Flocks can be large (up to 100 birds, sometimes including other species). Tail flicking is common and is believed to be a social signal indicating the intent to fly, thereby assisting flocking behaviour. (Some birds flick their tail to startle insects, but this explanation is unlikely for munias.)

Munias roost communally, sitting side-by-side in close contact. Birds on the outside are likely to jostle towards the centre. Birds in a flock sometimes preen each other, with one bird presenting its chin to a flock mate. This grooming is usually limited to the face and neck, as the bird can preen the rest of its body itself.

Munias generally breed in the wet season. The nest is a dome loosely woven from blades of grass. Nests usually contain 4 to 6 eggs (maximum 10). Both the male and female build the nest and sit on the eggs.

• Scaly-breasted Munia (in Malay, Pipit Pinang)

 

• Chestnut Munia  (in Malay, Pipit Rawa)

• White-rumped Munia (in Malay, Pipit Tuli)- seen at the Nature Park / Taman Alam,  Kuala Selangor