Scaly-breasted Munia

The scaly-breasted munia, or spotted munia, is a sparrow-sized finch 11–12cm long and 12–16g, known in the pet trade as the nutmeg mannikin. The adult is brown above with a darker brown head and a stubby dark bill, and white below with dark scale-like markings that give it its name. The sexes are similar, though males have darker markings below and a darker throat. Young birds are plain pale brown above and buff below and can be confused with young of other munias. Eleven subspecies differ slightly in size and colour (Wikipedia, general species account).

It lives in tropical plains and grassland and eats mainly grass seeds, with some berries and small insects. It is highly social, foraging in flocks that keep in touch with soft calls and whistles, and may roost with other munias. Pairs build domed nests of grass or bamboo leaves. It has been introduced to several other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, Australia and the United States. In India it is resident across a very large range; SoIB 2023 estimates a long-term increase of about 65% and rates it a Low conservation priority (Wikipedia, general species account; SoIB 2023).