Scaly-breasted Munia

About the Scaly-breasted Munia

The scaly-breasted munia or spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata), known in the pet trade as nutmeg mannikin or spice finch, is a sparrow-sized estrildid finch native to tropical Asia. A species of the genus Lonchura, it was formally described and named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Its name is based on the distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly. The adult is brown above and has a dark conical bill. The species has 11 subspecies across its range, which differ slightly in size and colour. This munia eats mainly grass seeds apart from berries and small insects. They forage in flocks and communicate with soft calls and whistles. The species is highly social and may sometimes roost with other species of munias. This species is found in tropical plains and grasslands.

Source: Wikipedia

Classification

Scientific name

Lonchura punctulata

Family

Waxbills and Allies

Order

Passeriformes

Similar species

Other members of the waxbills and allies family recorded in North America — a useful place to start if you are not certain of your identification.

• African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata
• African Silverbill Euodice cantans
• Black-and-white Mannikin Spermestes bicolor
• Black-rumped Waxbill Estrilda troglodytes
• Blue-capped Cordonbleu Uraeginthus cyanocephalus
• Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata
• Chestnut Munia Lonchura atricapilla
• Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
• Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga
• Cut-throat Amadina fasciata
• Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata
• Double-barred Finch Stizoptera bichenovii