Scaly-breasted Munia

The scaly-breasted Munia, also known as spice finch or nutmeg mannikin, is native to southern Asia. This finch is a popular cage bird and escapees from captivity have established wild populations in many parts of the world. Feral populations are established in Puerto Rico and Hispaniola, as well as parts of Australia and the United States. The species is now widespread and common in southern California and can be seen in many parts of Ventura & LA counties. The scaly-breasted munia has been seen in Southern California since the 1980s.

Adult birds - pictured here - have a distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly. The adult is brown above and has a dark conical bill. The sexes are similar, although males have darker markings on the underside and a darker throat than females. Immature birds have pale brown upperparts, lack the dark head found in adults, and have uniform buff underpart

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. Breeding pairs construct dome-shaped nests using grass or bamboo leaves.