Scaly-breasted Munia

The Scaly-breasted Munia, also known as the Spotted Munia, is a diminutive estrildid finch native to the tropical regions of Asia. It is recognized by its unique scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly, which give rise to its name. Adults exhibit a brown plumage above with a dark conical bill, while the underparts are white with dark scalloping.

Identification Tips

Adult Scaly-breasted Munias are characterized by their stubby dark bills, adapted for grain consumption, and their distinctive scale-like pattern on the underparts. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males may display slightly darker markings and throat. Juveniles lack the dark head of adults and have uniform buff underparts, which can lead to confusion with other munia species.

Habitat

These birds are commonly found in proximity to water and grasslands, particularly favoring paddy fields in India where they are known to feed on grain. They are typically seen on the plains but can also be found at higher elevations, such as the foothills of the Himalayas and the Nilgiris during summer months.

Distribution

The Scaly-breasted Munia is endemic to Asia, with a range extending from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia and the Philippines. It has been introduced to various other parts of the world, establishing feral populations in locations such as Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, parts of Australia, and the United States.

Behaviour

Highly social, these munias form flocks that can number up to 100 individuals. They communicate with a repertoire of soft calls and whistles and exhibit tail and wing flicking behaviors. They may roost communally, often in close contact with one another, and engage in allopreening, particularly on the face and neck.

Song & Calls

The Scaly-breasted Munia's vocalizations include a short whistle, a "kitty-kitty-kitty" call, and a sharp chipping alarm note. The male's song, heard mainly during the breeding season, is a soft but complex jingle, audible only at close range.

Breeding

Breeding typically occurs during the summer rainy season. Both sexes participate in constructing dome-shaped nests from grass or bamboo leaves, often placed in trees or under house eaves. Clutches usually contain 4 to 6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents and hatch within 10 to 16 days.

Similar Species

Juvenile Scaly-breasted Munias can be confused with juveniles of other munia species, such as the Tricolored Munia and the Black-throated Munia, due to their pale brown upperparts and uniform buff underparts.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Scaly-breasted Munia primarily consists of grass seeds, supplemented with small berries and insects. They forage in flocks, and their feeding behavior aligns with the optimal foraging theory, balancing time and energy to maximize food intake.

Conservation Status

The Scaly-breasted Munia is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large and stable population across an extensive range. While common throughout most of its range, some populations have been affected by the bird trade. In certain areas, they are considered agricultural pests due to their feeding habits in cereal crops.