Mottled Munia
Lonchura hunsteini
Dark-bodied munia, endemic to New Ireland, in the Bismarck Archipelago; also introduced to the Micronesian island of Pohnpei, where it is now quite common. Like many other munias, typically encountered in flocks foraging in grasslands, agricultural fields, and weedy roadsides. Adult’s combination of mottled white head, dark chocolate body, and rufous rump and tail is unique; immature, with its dark cinnamon body and messy brown head, can be confused with New Ireland Munia, but note present species’ dark breast. Gives mellow whistled notes, peeps, and pips.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Lonchura hunsteini
- Authority
- (Finsch, 1886)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Estrildidae
- Genus
- Lonchura
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
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