A study on the habitat and behaviour of green munia

Abstract

Green munia is a member of estriladide family and an endemic, vulnerable, beautiful and charming species of the Indian subcontinent. In the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, green munia founds in a good number at mid-elevation ranges. They generally preferred grassland, agricultural fields and Lantana camara dominated habitats for foraging and feeding. In rainy seasons, they can also be sighted in Parthenium dominated landscapes and other wild grasses. During summer season, they can be easily sighted near the seasonal and perineal water bodies, river canals and around water holes constructed by the forest department. During drinking of water they use to bath and clean their wings. In daytime, they roost on dates and mango trees, Lantana and other shurbs. Both males and females performed allopreening behaviour during rest. "Chur-ChurChur" sounds are produced when they forage or feed and whenever they felt threat by anyone; they produced the sound "swee-swee-swee" and flew away. They forage and feed in flocks males, females and juvniles feed together. They also feed alongside other birds, mainly with the Indian silver bill, Scaly-breasted munia, tailor birds, ashy and plain prinia, Indian robin, bulbuls and sparrows. The infrequent movement of humans and livestock through and around grassland has a negative impact on green munias foraging and feeding activity.