Indian Silverbill
Euodice malabarica
The Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica) is a common munias, parrotfinches, waxbills, and alli found in 22 countries, weighing about 12 g. The Indian silverbill or white-throated munia is a small passerine bird found in the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions that was formerly considered to include the closely related African silverbill.
About the Indian Silverbill
The Indian silverbill or white-throated munia is a small passerine bird found in the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions that was formerly considered to include the closely related African silverbill. This estrildid finch is a common resident breeding bird in the drier regions of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. It has also been introduced into many other parts of the world and has become established in some areas. They forage in small flocks in grassland and scrub habitats.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
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 and has been known to visit nectar bearing flowers, such as those of Erythrina trees.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United States.
When to see it
The Indian Silverbill can be seen all year round, with peak activity in December. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Indian Silverbill?
- 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. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Indian Silverbill?
- The Indian Silverbill is a tiny sized bird weighing about 12 g.
- Where can you see an Indian Silverbill?
- The Indian Silverbill occurs in 22 countries, including India, the United Arab Emirates, France, Taiwan and Israel.
- What birds look similar to an Indian Silverbill?
- The Indian Silverbill is most easily confused with the African Silverbill.
- Is the Indian Silverbill endangered?
- The Indian Silverbill is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Indian Silverbill for real
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