AVADAVAT (RED MUNIA / STRAWBERRY FINCH)

The Avadavat is a tiny bird found in India's grasslands, farms, and places where tall wild plants grow. It loves warm areas with plenty of seeds.

During the rainy season, these birds begin nesting. They build a round, ball-shaped nest made of grass, usually hidden inside thick bushes, so their babies stay safe. The male becomes bright red during breeding time, dotted with tiny white spots, while the female stays soft brown—this helps her stay camouflaged while nesting. Avadavats travel in small flocks, flying close together like tiny red sparks floating through the grass. They mostly eat small seeds, but sometimes nibble on insects for extra strength. Gentle, shy, and colourful, the Avadavat looks like a living jewel of the fields.