Indian Silverbill/White-throated Munia (Lonchura malabarica)

An uncommon breeding resident found in grasslands, paddy fields and cultivation  mainly in arid coastal areas of low country dry zone in Mannar, Jaffna and Hambantota districts. Localized colonies sometimes also occur in other parts of the dry zone. It feeds on grass seeds, paddy etc. and usually occurs as small flocks of 10-12 birds but sometimes in larger numbers.  Its breeding season is from December to March. The nest is a ball of grass as that of other munias and where it lays 4 to 6 pure white eggs.