The white-bellied munia is a species of estrildid finch. It is found in Malesia. Its natural habitat is subtropical/ tropical lowland moist forest habitat, and it is also found in grasslands and residential areas. The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern. It is an invasive species.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in the Malesian region, frequenting lowland moist forest edges, secondary growth, grasslands, and agricultural areas such as rice fields. It readily uses scrub, reeds, and weedy margins near water. The species also enters towns and villages where suitable grass seed is available. Introduced populations are established in some urban and peri-urban settings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The white-bellied munia is a small estrildid finch that thrives in open grassy habitats, forest edges, and rice agriculture across Malesia. It often forms small flocks and adapts well to human-modified landscapes, sometimes establishing introduced populations that can be locally invasive. Pairs build ball-shaped grass nests and often roost communally outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found in small flocks that forage together in grasses and agricultural fields. Pairs are monogamous and build ball-shaped nests of grasses in shrubs, reeds, or low trees. Outside breeding, they often roost communally and mix with other munia species.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twittering with short trills and buzzy notes. Contact calls are thin chips used to keep flock cohesion, becoming more rapid when birds are excited.
Plumage
Smooth, plain brown upperparts with a clean white belly and vent; the boundary between brown breast and white underparts is usually sharp. Throat and face can appear slightly darker brown. Plumage is sleek and uniform with minimal patterning.
Diet
Primarily consumes small grass and sedge seeds, including those of rice and other cultivated grains. Birds pick seeds directly from seed heads or glean from the ground. During breeding, they may take small insects to feed nestlings, but plant material remains the mainstay.
Preferred Environment
Forages in rice paddies, weedy fields, reedbeds, and grassy verges at forest edges. Often feeds near water and along disturbed habitats around villages and farms.
