The five-colored munia is a common species of estrildid finch found in the Lesser Sunda Islands. It inhabits many different habitats even in artificial landscapes, forest, shrubland and wet grassland habitats. The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
This species occupies a range of open and semi-open habitats including grassland, scrub, forest edge, river margins, and wet meadows. It readily uses human-altered landscapes such as rice paddies, fallow fields, and village gardens. Birds gather around seeding grasses and sedges, and will forage along roadsides and field margins. It is generally a lowland species but can be found in foothills where suitable grassy cover persists.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The five-colored munia is an estrildid finch endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands, where it often forms lively flocks in open country and rice fields. Its striking mix of dark, chestnut, and white plumage gives the species its name. Though sometimes trapped for the cagebird trade, it remains common across much of its range. It primarily consumes grass and sedge seeds, helping reduce weed loads in agricultural areas.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, foraging low in grasses and along field edges. Pairs nest in woven grass structures concealed in dense vegetation or shrubs. They may breed semi-colonially where food is abundant. Both parents participate in incubation and chick-rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twittering and tinkling notes delivered in short sequences. Males give a simple, sweet warble during display, interspersed with sharp chip contact calls.
Plumage
Contrasting pattern with a dark (blackish) head, clean whitish underparts, warm chestnut mantle and flanks, and darker tail; back is grey-brown to chestnut-toned.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small grass and sedge seeds, including those of cultivated and wild species. Will take rice grains and other cereal fragments where available. Supplements diet with small insects and larvae, especially during the breeding season for added protein. Gleans seeds directly from seedheads and from the ground.
Preferred Environment
Most often forages in wet or seasonally wet grasslands, paddy fields, reedbeds, and weedy edges. Also uses village edges, road verges, and fallows where seeding grasses are abundant.
