White-rumped Munia nests

Three nests of the White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata subsquamicollis) were located at the Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS recently. One was at the fringe of the Forest Reserve, the other two deeper in. All were located next to a river or stream.

This first nest, seen on 30th March 2009, was in a mixture of primary and secondary jungle (above). It was built in a tall tree adjacent to a river, on a branch overhanging the river at the height of approximately 2.5 metres. The adults became distressed when they noticed me so very few photographs were taken. The nest looked well used and it appeared that the juveniles were about to leave the nest.

On 19th July 2009 a second nest was located across at the edge of this forest reserve (above). Again adjacent to a river, on the slope of the ravine. This nest was built 1 metre off the ground in a dead shrub (Melastoma malabathricum). This nest had been completed recently as some of the grasses used were still green. Notice the long trailing grass and grass flowering heads, used to camouflage the entrance.

On 16th September 2009 a disused nest was seen at the forest reserve in a mixture of primary and secondary jungle, adjacent to a river (left). This was built 1.5 metre off the ground in a Duranta repens shrub.

All images by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS.