Spotted munia

Lonchura punctulata

Spotted munia
Photo: Santhosh Korambil

It is a sparrow-sized bird native to tropical Asia. Its name is based on the distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly. The adult is brown above and has a dark conical bill.

This munia eats mainly on grass seeds apart from berries and small insects. They forage in flocks and communicate with soft calls and whistles. The species is highly social and may sometimes roost with other species of munias. This species is found in tropical plains and grasslands. Breeding pairs construct dome-shaped nests using grass or bamboo leaves.

Source: Wikipedia

Indian silverbill

Lonchura malabarica

Indian silverbill
Photo: Santhosh Korambil

The adult Indian silverbill is 11–11.5 cm long and has a conical silver-grey bill, buff-brown upperparts, white underparts, buffy flanks and dark wings. The tail is black and the wings are dark contrasting with a white rump. The sexes are similar, but immatures have buff underparts and a shorter tail. The tail appears pointed as the length of the feathers reduces from the centre outwards. It feeds mainly on seeds, but also takes insects.

These birds are gregarious and in Greenford I they are found in flocks of 5-6 birds flittering around low shrubs and picking grass stalks to build their nests. Nests are usually an untidy ball of grasses, but here it is mostly found to use old nests of the weaver bird, many found near the children's park

Source: Wikipedia

Pied bush chat

Saxicola caprata

Pied bush chat (female)
Photo: Santhosh Korambil

Seen all through the year.