Lonchura maja maja

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : White-headed munia
French : Capucin à tête blanche

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Passeriformes
Family : Estrildidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known

Identification
Plumage mostly brown, richer chestnut brown on back and tail, darker on wings, dull beige throat. Most of head smoky-pink to white with darker nape. Big conical silvery bill.

Range and habitat
Subspecies occurs in Southeast Asia, from south Thailand to Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and Bali. Lives in grasslands, cultivated areas, rice fields and marshes, up to 1500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is mostly uncommon except in Java and Sumatra where it is locally common. Introduced to Borneo. Caught for the trade but well bred under human care.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Waxbills and relatives” page