The term maya refers to a folk taxonomy often used in the Philippines to refer to a variety of small, commonly observed passerine birds, including a number of sparrows, finches and munias.
This group includes Lonchura atricapilla, specifically referred to by the common name mayang pula ("red maya"),[1] which was recognized as the national bird of the Philippines until 1995, when then-President Fidel V. Ramos formally transferred the honorific to the Philippine eagle.[2]
It also includes the Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus, introduced from Europe and locally referred to as mayang simbahan – an invasive species predominant in urban areas, leading urban Filipinos to mistakenly think it is the only species referred to as "maya."[1]