- general description
- appearance
- the scaly-breasted munia is a small, sparrow-sized bird with a distinctive scaly pattern on its breast and belly.
- it has a brown upper body with a lighter brown head and a thick, dark conical beak, which is well-suited for seed-eating.
- the underparts are white or buff with black scalloping, giving the appearance of scales, hence the name.
- both sexes look similar, but juveniles are more uniformly brown without the distinctive scaling.
- size
- measures about 11-12 cm in length.
- typically weighs around 12-16 grams.
- behavior
- known for its social and gregarious nature, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
- emits a series of soft, chirping calls.
- frequently seen foraging on the ground for seeds and small grains, often in grasslands, rice fields, and open areas.
- habitat
- range
- widely distributed across south asia and southeast asia, including india, sri lanka, bangladesh, myanmar, thailand, malaysia, indonesia, and the philippines.
- has been introduced to many other regions, including parts of the united states and the pacific islands.
- environment
- inhabits a variety of environments including grasslands, open woodlands, gardens, agricultural fields, and wetlands.
- often found near human habitation and in areas with abundant seed resources.
- diet
- primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds and grains.
- also consumes insects and small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season.
- breeding
- nesting
- builds a large, dome-shaped nest made of grass, leaves, and plant fibers, usually placed in a bush, tree, or sometimes in tall grass.
- nests are often built in colonies, with multiple pairs nesting close to each other.
- reproduction
- breeding season varies across its range but generally occurs during the wet season when food is abundant.
- female lays 4-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 10-14 days.
- both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge, which takes about 21-23 days.
- conservation status
- currently not considered endangered or vulnerable.
- listed as least concern by the iucn due to its wide range and stable population.
- interesting facts
- the scaly-breasted munia is also known as the nutmeg mannikin or spice finch.
- it is a popular bird in the pet trade due to its attractive plumage and pleasant song.
- this species is highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, making it a common sight in both rural and urban areas.