- Lonchura malabarica
Also known as Indian Silverbill or Warbling Silverbill as well as Euodice malabarica
Identification
Eleven cm long. Creamy underside with darker upperside, often displaying dark to black primaries along the lower edge of the folded wing, as well as a dark tail that is often somewhat pointed. White rump is sometimes visible on the sitting bird, and always visible in flight. Bill has a dark, curved, upper mandible while the lower mandible is lighter often reflecting.
This species is very similar to African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans) but differ in showing a white rump (dark in the African species).
Distribution & Taxonomy
Native distribution seems to have been from the Arabian Peninsula through Iran, to India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Sikkim. Populations in Israel and Jordan may have its origin in escaped cage birds, and the same is the case for southern France (e.g., Nice) where the species is considered established, and in Portugal.
This taxon has previously been considered conspecific with African Silverbill.
Habitat
Behaviour
Mostly eats grass seeds
