The Indian Silverbills or White-throated Munia (Lonchura malabarica) is a small passerine bird formerly considered conspecific (of, or belonging to, the same species) with the closely related African Silverbill, Lonchura cantans.
Range / Breeding:
This estrildid finch is a common resident breeding bird in most of South Asia.
The Indian Silverbill is a tiny gregarious bird which feeds mainly on seeds. It frequents dry open country and cultivation, especially near water.
The nest is a large domed grass structure in a tree, into which 4-10 white eggs are laid.
Description:
The Indian Silverbills is 11-11.5 cm (4.3-4.5 in) in length with a long black tail. The adult has a stubby silver-grey bill, buff-brown upperparts, white underparts and rump and dark wings. Males and females look alike, but immatures have buff underparts and a shorter tail.
