#munias

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

Photo: Hari K Patibanda

"Strikingly pretty small finch. Males are largely red and covered in white spots with dark wings and tail. Females are gray with a rufous rump. Both sexes have a red beak. Gives a very musical song a high 'teei' call. Found in grassy areas close to water and often near human habitation, particularly areas with wet rice paddies."

In a tragically all-too-common scene, a joint operation between the Delhi Forest Department and Wildlife SOS busted a bird smuggling racket in Old Delhi. Over 700 endangered parakeets and munias were found crammed into tiny cages, suffering from dehydration and malnutrition. The birds were likely destined for the international exotic pet trade.

Java Sparrow

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata