Black-throated Munia

The Black-throated Munia, also known as Jerdon's Mannikin, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the estrildid finch family. It is characterized by its 12 cm length and a notably long black tail.

Identification Tips

Adults of the southwest Indian population, known as L. k. jerdoni, can be identified by their stubby grey bill, dark brown upperparts adorned with pale shaft streaks, a blackish face and bib, and pinkish brown underparts with scaly markings towards the vent. The Eastern Ghats variant, vernayi, is distinguished by paler pinkish underparts, while the nominate form L. k. kelaarti from Sri Lanka features scaly patterning on the underparts and vent, with pale, almost whitish shaft streaks providing a stark contrast on the darker back. In all populations, the sexes appear similar, but the immatures can be recognized by the absence of the darker face and more uniform underparts.

Habitat

The Black-throated Munia is known to inhabit open hill woodlands and areas of cultivation, where it lives a gregarious lifestyle.

Distribution

This species is a resident breeder in the hills of southwest India, including the Western and Eastern Ghats, and extends its range to Sri Lanka.

Behaviour

These birds are sociable creatures, often seen in flocks as they forage for seeds.

Breeding

The Black-throated Munia constructs a large domed grass nest within a tree or amongst creepers on a house. In India, the nest may contain 3-8 pristine white eggs, while in Sri Lanka, the clutch size is typically around five.

Similar Species

While there may be other munias with overlapping ranges, the distinct coloration and patterning of the Black-throated Munia aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Black-throated Munia primarily consists of seeds, which they seek out in their open woodland and cultivated habitats.

Conservation status

The Black-throated Munia is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.