Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernWhite-headed Munia at a glance
The White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja) is a bird in the family Estrildidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. Diet: seed-eater (granivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Lonchura maja |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Bondol haji |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 4,437 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — seed-eater (granivore) · AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt |
In this guide (12)
What is the White-headed Munia?
White-headed Munia refers to Lonchura maja, 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.
What is known about the White-headed Munia?
The white-headed munia uses wetlands and grassy places; the adult's white head helps identification, while young birds are harder to separate.
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 ↗
How many Indonesian records name the White-headed Munia?
When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 4,437 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 ↗
Where were observations reported?
Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. 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 ↗
How can you observe the White-headed 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 White-headed Munia with Scaly-breasted Munia, Javan Munia, Ashy Drongo. 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 White-headed Munia
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Lonchura |
| Species | Lonchura maja |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the White-headed Munia
What is the scientific name of the White-headed Munia?
The scientific name of the White-headed Munia is Lonchura maja, in the family Estrildidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Bondol haji.
What kind of animal is the White-headed Munia?
The White-headed Munia is a bird in the family Estrildidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a seed-eater (granivore).
Where does the White-headed Munia live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the White-headed Munia summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sumatra. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the White-headed Munia eat?
The White-headed Munia is a seed-eater (granivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022).
How does the White-headed Munia reproduce?
The White-headed Munia reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Vigie-Nature École (MNHN).
Is the White-headed Munia nocturnal?
The cited source records the White-headed Munia as diurnal (active by day). Source: EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the White-headed Munia?
Scientific classification of the White-headed Munia: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Estrildidae, genus Lonchura, species Lonchura maja.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the White-headed Munia endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the White-headed 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), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the White-headed Munia is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- AVONET bird trait database (Tobias et al. 2022) ↗
- Vigie-Nature École (MNHN) ↗
- EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-maja/