Chestnut Munia Similar Species Comparison
Main SpeciesChestnut Munia
Adult (Chestnut)
A small finch with a large, blue-gray bill. Adult in most populations has an all-black head and upper breast, chestnut upperparts, and some black on the belly.
© Luke Seitz / Macaulay LibraryPhetchaburi, March 04, 2018Adult (formosana)
Adult in the “formosana” subspecies, found in Taiwan and the northern Philippines, has a dark brown head, throat, and upper breast.
© Camake Chen / Macaulay LibraryHualien County, March 10, 2018Adult
A small, heavy-billed finch with chestnut upperparts and a dark head and upper breast.
© Romeo M. Ocon / Macaulay LibraryMarch 28, 2009Immature
Immature is buffy below and brown above.
© Sharif Uddin / Macaulay LibraryHawaii, August 18, 2017Adult (Chestnut)
Feeds on grass seeds, including rice.
© Zhong Ying Koay / Macaulay LibraryPerak, December 27, 2017Flock
Forages in groups, feeding on grass seeds.
© Scott (瑞興) LIN(林) / Macaulay LibraryYilan County, January 31, 2022Adult (Chestnut)
Occurs in grasslands, freshwater marshes, rice paddies, and coastal mangroves. Also visits gardens.
© Ethan Lai / Macaulay LibrarySabah, July 01, 2015Adult (formosana)
A social species that forages in flocks, even during the breeding season.
© Scott (瑞興) LIN(林) / Macaulay LibraryYunlin CountySearch species and articles
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