Attacks of munia bird (Lonchura spp.) on rice crops and control carried out by farmers in Tigo Nagari, Pasaman, West Sumatra, Indonesia

The cultivation of rice crop could not be separated from the disturbance caused by plant pests, one of which is munia bird (Lonchura spp.) which eat grain. The objective of this research is to observe the types of munia bird and its population level, as well as the farmers' perceptions to the presence of munia birds, and the control methods that farmers apply. This research was conducted in the Tigo Nagari Sub-district, Pasaman District, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia to calculate the population and intensity of munia birds’ attacks through field observations. In addition, find out farmers' perceptions about the attack of bird, losses, and its control technique, through interview method. The intensity of attack was calculated based on the grain damage scoring. Results showed that there were two species of munia birds that dominate in field, namely white-headed munia (Lonchura maja) (397 heads) and scally-breasted munia (L. punctulata) (172 heads). The average intensity of the munia bird attack was 15.39%, the maximum reached 22.05%, and could reach losses up to one million rupiah per hectare. The presence of bird was influenced by the density of vegetation around the land. The higher number of bird presence, the higher damage intensity it caused. Control technique carried out by farmers using a net to cover crop and tying plastic to rope, then it can be pulled and cause noise and shock to bird, moreover farmers’ screaming to keep birds away.