Spotted Munia

I was too preoccupied to notice them or anything else for that matter two years back around this time, but last year they caught my eye. I was seated in front of the window and a flutter caught my eye. I looked out to see two tiny birds chasing each other. They were too fast and I wasn’t sure what birds they were. After a brief search I found them on a branch, cozying up. I hurriedly brought out my camera. I always take at least a few photos from where I see them, birds or butterflies, before I approach them. Because, most often than not they take off as soon as they see you approach. That’s the choice you have to make, whether to go closer to get a better picture and risk losing them or enjoy looking at them without bothering for a photograph. 

So, as I was saying I took two photos before I ventured closer and off they went. I was disappointed. But a month later when the monsoons were approaching they showed up right beside my door trying to build a nest on the AC’s outdoor unit. For two days I watched them not knowing what to do. They work in the mornings take a break and then work again in the afternoons. And this goes on for days before the nest is ready. Since it was right next to my door whenever I opened it or tried to go out they would leave their work and fly off. I couldn’t let them continue because it was impossible for me to keep the door closed. Once the eggs are hatched they would feel even more threatened by my proximity. And since the days were still hot it may not be safe for them when the AC was on. So I built them a house with cardboards, put their nest in it and placed the entire thing in a nice place. They did not like it and abandoned it.  

I saw them for the entire season lasting nearly four months. They appeared promptly this year too just before the rains hit. And guess what? They chose to build their nest in the same spot and obviously I did not let them. I saw a pair a few days back working busily on their nest but this time it was on our neighbors AC unit. What is with these birds and the AC’s!!!

Lonchura punctulata

Common name : Spotted munia