The white-rumped munia or white-rumped mannikin, sometimes called striated finch in aviculture, is a small passerine bird from the family of waxbill "finches" (Estrildidae). These are not close relatives of the true finches (Fringillidae) or true sparrows (Passeridae).
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian subcontinent through Myanmar, Thailand, and Indochina to parts of southern China and the Malay Archipelago. It favors open habitats such as grasslands, scrub, rice paddies, village edges, and wetlands with tall grasses or reeds. Frequently found near cultivation, especially millet and rice, and often around water. Forms flocks outside the breeding season and readily uses human-modified landscapes.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Also known as the white-rumped mannikin or striated finch, it is a small estrildid native to South and Southeast Asia. A domesticated form, the society (Bengalese) finch, descends from this species. Despite the common name, it is not a true finch and is only distantly related to Fringillidae. Its conspicuous white rump is a key field mark when it flies.
White-rumped nunia using abandoned Baya weaver nest near Bangalore
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in small to large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Pairs are monogamous and build globular grass nests in shrubs, reeds, or low trees. They may nest semi-colonially where suitable cover and food are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, twittering trills and chips delivered from perches within cover. Males give a gentle, repetitive song during courtship, interspersed with contact calls used to keep flocks coordinated.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with a bright white rump and lower back; underparts finely barred or striated with dark and pale tones. Tail is dark; throat and breast can show fine streaking. Plumage appears smooth and compact.
Diet
Primarily feeds on small grass seeds, including cultivated grains like rice and millet. Also takes green shoots, seed husks, and occasionally small insects, especially when feeding chicks. Forages by clinging to seed heads or picking fallen seeds from the ground.
Preferred Environment
Edges of fields, grasslands, and reedbeds where seeding grasses are abundant. Frequently visits rice paddies and weedy patches near water and settlements.
