Black-faced Munia

The Black-faced Munia, known scientifically as Lonchura molucca, is a small, charming bird with a distinctive appearance. It boasts a striking black face, throat, and upper breast, which contrast sharply with its dark brown nape and back. The wings and tail are a deep black, while the underparts and rump are a crisp white, adorned with fine black speckling or barring. This bird's bill is robust and bicoloured, featuring a dark upper mandible and a blue-gray lower mandible, and it stands on dark legs.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Black-faced Munia, look for its characteristic black facial mask extending down to the upper breast. The bird's back is dark brown, and the white rump and underparts with black markings are also key features. The contrasting bill colors can be a helpful identifier, as well as the bird's size and shape, which are typical of the munia family.

Habitat

The Black-faced Munia is quite adaptable and can be found in a variety of environments. It thrives in both natural and artificial landscapes, including forests, grasslands, savannahs, parks, and gardens. This versatility in habitat preference makes it a common sight in many regions within its range.

Distribution

Native to Indonesia, the Black-faced Munia has a presence that spans across the Wallacea island group and extends to East Timor. It is a bird that has adapted well to its environment, often seen in small flocks in grassy areas where it can forage for seeds.

Behaviour

This species is typically observed in small flocks, indicative of its social nature. The Black-faced Munia is a seed-eater, often found busily foraging in grassy areas. Its behavior is emblematic of the munia family, with a propensity for congregating in areas where food is abundant.

Conservation status

The Black-faced Munia is fortunate to have a wide range and is considered abundant in some locales, while common in many others. The population trend appears to be stable, with no significant threats identified at present. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified this bird as being of "Least Concern," indicating a relatively secure status in the wild.