The White-capped are introduced bird to Singapore first from Central Java Indonesia. They are released or escape caged bird then. Recently there is a small colony of them sighted in Melaka padi field. Whether they are brought directly over or they have move upwards peninsula we will not know. I was also hoping the Javan Munia will migrate further up from southern Johor (Muar side) but alas they have yet to be recorded here.
They are nicknamed "Tricolors Nun" with its distinct white crown and nape, black throated and brown/chestnut back. In Craig's book it is labelled as subspecies of the Black-headed. I would consider its a lifer though as feral birds from Indonesia which have become residents and breeding. here
In July we saw them mainly in pairs feeding together and collecting nesting material. Only at one time I saw them in a flock of 12-15 birds. They are considered pest to padi farmers as they do feed on rice grains. Hope they will not be a nuisance too much if not they may be eradicated.
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