Estrildidae·Ordre des Passeriformes·Non menacé (introduit naturalisé) — Population suivie·📅 Updated:
The Indian Silverbill, exotic jewel of the Var wetlands
Indian Silverbill (Euodice malabarica)
Agrandir
Originally native to the Indian subcontinent and established along the French Riviera for decades, forming cheerful colonies in coastal reeds.
My field observations in the Var — sites, months and context
✓ Aug 2026 Synthesis (2 records)Captured perching delicately on dry seed heads at the Plan de La Garde Nature Park.
August 2026 Field Mapping Record:
📍Le Pradet — ENS Plan de La Garde(1 rec)📍Les Issambres (East Var Coastline)(1 rec)
Statut dans le Var : Espèce exotique naturalisée, colonie sédentaire remarquable dans le Var·Période privilégiée : Mai à Septembre
Commented in situ photo gallery
3 telephoto photographs taken in the Var department (Rule 11)
Agrandir
Photo 1 / 3 — Parc Nature du Plan de La Garde, VarPerché sur un fil métallique en observation
Agrandir
Photo 2 / 3 — Plan de La Garde, VarDuo acrobatique perché sur grillage se nourrissant d'un épi
Agrandir
Photo 3 / 3 — Plan de La Garde, VarPerché sur grillage dévorant un épi de graminée au soleil couchant
Recognizing the species on my photos — visible details
Tiny 11 cm finch-like bird with soft sandy-buff plumage, pure white rump in flight, and a stout, metallic lead-silver conical bill.
Habitat
Reed margins, tall grassy meadows, sunny waste ground and canal verges.
Diet
Seeds of wild grasses and reeds husked with its sturdy bill.
Photographing the species: field experience
Brisk flock movements require quick framing to isolate a single bird feeding on swaying grass stems.
Remarkable facts & hide notes:
- •The Var colony represents one of the few self-sustaining wild estrildid finch populations in mainland Europe.
- •Mated pairs sit huddled closely side by side, engaging in gentle mutual preening.
- •Builds a bulky spherical grass nest with a discreet side entrance.
