# Javan Munia

> Javan Munia (Lonchura leucogastroides). The Javan munia occurs in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali and Lombok, while some populations elsewhere reflect human introduction.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-leucogastroides/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/lonchura-leucogastroides/
_This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._

**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Javan Munia (*Lonchura leucogastroides*) is a bird in the family Estrildidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. It is endemic to Indonesia, living naturally only in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali and Lombok. Diet: seed-eater (granivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Lonchura leucogastroides* |
| Indonesian name | Bondol jawa |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 9,805 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493622) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — seed-eater (granivore) · [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |
| Endemic to Indonesia | Yes — southern Sumatra, Java, Bali and Lombok · [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/javan-munia-lonchura-leucogastroides) |

## What is the Javan Munia?

Javan Munia refers to Lonchura leucogastroides, in the genus Lonchura, family Estrildidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493622)

## What is known about the Javan Munia?

The Javan munia occurs in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali and Lombok, while some populations elsewhere reflect human introduction.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonchura%20leucogastroides)

## How many Indonesian records name the Javan Munia?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 9,805 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2493622&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2493622&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Javan Munia?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Javan Munia with White-headed Munia, Scaly-breasted Munia, Olive-backed Tailorbird. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Javan Munia

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | *Lonchura* |
| Species | *Lonchura leucogastroides* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Javan Munia

### What is the scientific name of the Javan Munia?

The scientific name of the Javan Munia is *Lonchura leucogastroides*, in the family Estrildidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Bondol jawa.

### What kind of animal is the Javan Munia?

The Javan Munia is a bird in the family Estrildidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a seed-eater (granivore). It is also endemic to Indonesia.

### Where does the Javan Munia live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Javan Munia summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Bali. That list is not a complete range map.

The Javan Munia is endemic to Indonesia and lives naturally only in southern Sumatra, Java, Bali and Lombok. Source: [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/javan-munia-lonchura-leucogastroides).

### What does the Javan Munia eat?

The Javan Munia is a seed-eater (granivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228).

### How does the Javan Munia reproduce?

The Javan Munia reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Javan Munia nocturnal?

The cited source records the Javan Munia as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Javan Munia?

Scientific classification of the Javan Munia: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Estrildidae, genus *Lonchura*, species *Lonchura leucogastroides*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Javan Munia endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Javan Munia is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493622), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Javan Munia is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493622)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2493622&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13905)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonchura%20leucogastroides)
5. [AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022)](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/AVONET_morphological_ecological_and_geographical_data_for_all_birds_Tobias_et_al_2021_Ecology_Letters_/16586228)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/javan-munia-lonchura-leucogastroides)
8. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [White-headed Munia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-maja/)
- [Scaly-breasted Munia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-punctulata/)
- [Olive-backed Tailorbird](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/orthotomus-sepium/)
- [White-breasted Woodswallow](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/artamus-leucorhynchos/)
- [Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemipus-hirundinaceus/)

---

Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Javan Munia. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-leucogastroides/