In French Polynesia, it is well established as an introduced species, and its habits have developed somewhat differently, indicating the adaptability of the species.
Not listed
Indigenous: Chestnut-Breasted Munia
At a glance
FamilyWaxbills and Allies
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatFrequents very long grass, typically beside wetlands and swamps, across northern and eastern Australia, often in sizable flocks.
Best timeMost reliable in Queensland from October to February.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by nick talbot
Range map
Range map
200approx hotspots
76831approx records
4states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Juveniles very plain brownish but usually accompany adults.
Behavior
Frequents very long grass, typically beside wetlands and swamps, across northern and eastern Australia, often in sizable flocks.
Gallery
Regional timing
Queensland
Western Australia
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Victoria
South Australia
Commonly confused with
Diamond FiretailStagonopleura guttataDark between eyes and bill (lores). Juvenile plainer, with faint barring on flanks and grayish breast band. Inhabits open woodlands of inland southeastern Australia.→Scaly-breasted MuniaLonchura punctulataTypical adults dark chestnut-brown above, white below, with fine dark scaly pattern on belly; some populations duller brown. Juveniles plain brown all over with slightly paler underparts. Typically found in small flocks, sometimes mixed with other species of munia.→