Common Munias

Scaly-breasted Munia on an electric wire

Munias are quite common around Malnad area, and are very easy to confuse with a sparrow. They are about the same size and shape as sparrows, and are of the same shape. If you spot a sparrow-like bird near damp areas or water streams, like Tunga channels, it is a good idea to take another look - you might just have seen a Munia.Of course, Munias vary in colour very widely from Sparrows, so if you are looking at the bird you will notice the difference.

White-rumped Munia

Munias generally feed on insects and grass seeds, and can bother the farmers quite a bit. Experts claim that Munias quite frequently appear in flocks of large size, but I have only seen groups of 4-6 so far, most often actually one or two together in Malnad area.

I was able to photograph two Munias - Scaly-breasted Munia and  White-rumped Munia. Salim Ali notes that Red Munia is also common to India. He also notes that the Red Munia is a popular cage bird.

Scientific name for Scaly-breasted Munia is Lonchura punctulata.
Scientific name for White-rumped Munia is Lonchura striata.