( 37 ) 

 THE MUNIAS 



The Munias or " rice-birds/' probably so-called from their habit 

 of frequenting the paddy-fields, but must not be confused with the 

 well known delicacy of that name imported in tins from China. 

 They are often kept in cages, and are also known under the names 

 of Avadavats and Wax bills. In the non-breeding season they go 

 about in small flocks together in the paddy-fields, where they probably 

 do a good deal of damage as they are purely seed-eaters. Munias 

 all make untidy domed nests which they take no trouble to hide, and 

 lay numerous small pure white eggs. 



Burmese name Sawadi. 



THE SPOTTED MUNIA 



Is a small speckled bird with a chocolate brown head, dull blue 

 bill. It may easily be noticed as it often builds its nest in the 

 trellis-work of verandahs or under the eaves of bungalows, the 

 majority, however, build their untidy round nest in trees and thorny 

 bushes. 



(No. 735. Uroloncha punctulata ) 



THE CHESTNUT-BELLIED MUNIA 



Is a small bird with its whole head and breast black ; the remainder 

 of its plumage chestnut. This is a common little munia which 

 keeps to the neighbourhood of water, nesting along the banks of 

 rivers and tanks, building very often quite close to the water. 

 (No. 726. Munia atricapilla.) 



* 



THE BURMESE RED MUNIA. 



A handsome little bird with a brilliant red bill and its upper 

 plumage reddish spotted with white. This is the Burma represen- 

 tative of the Avadavats which are so often seen in cages. It keeps 

 to open damp country and the edges of paddy fields, building its 

 nest near the ground ; it is a later breeder, and lays six small white 

 eggs. 



XVI 



THE SWALLOWS. 



Include both the swallows and martins, and are a highly migratory 

 family. Many come to us for the cold weather retiring to the 

 north for the summer, the familiar home bird spending the winter 

 with us. About a dozen kinds have been recorded from Burma ; 

 only two however are resident. 



