Munia Among the Midges

A scaly-breasted munia perches on reeds while a cloud of tiny midges drifts around it in the golden light. The bird is calm; the air is alive. A lovely bit of atmosphere. Fun fact: Munias are grassland specialists that follow the rice harvest, and large flocks can strip a ripening paddy — earning them both admiration for their beauty and a wary eye from farmers.