Gray-banded Munia
NameGray-banded Munia
Common NameGray-banded Munia
Scientific NameLonchura vana
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsThe head is pale grey to whitish, sometimes with a faint darker crown. A prominent broad dark brown band crosses the upper breast. The back and wings are dark brown, while the lower breast and belly are buffy to rufous-brown. The rump and uppertail coverts are yellowish-buff, and the tail is dark. It has a stout, bluish-grey bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched 'tseet' or 'chip' notes, often given in flight or while foraging. They may also produce chattering calls.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, wetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the lowlands of western New Guinea, specifically found in the Papua province of Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesPale grey/white head, Broad dark brown breast band, Dark brown back and wings, Buffy/rufous belly, Stout bluish-grey bill
Description
The Gray-banded Munia is a small, stocky finch characterized by its pale head and a distinctive broad dark brown band across its chest. It typically forages in tall grasses and reedbeds, often in small flocks.
