Scaly-breasted munia

Lonchura punctulata

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.

Family: Estrildidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

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. Breeding p

Fun Facts About Scaly-breasted munia

They forage in flocks and communicate with soft calls and whistles.
Breeding pairs construct dome-shaped nests using grass or bamboo leaves.
This munia eats mainly grass seeds apart from berries and small insects.
The species is highly social and may sometimes roost with other species of munias.
The species is endemic to Asia and occurs from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines (where it is called mayang pakíng).

Conservation Status

The Scaly-breasted munia is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Estrildidae
Genus	Lonchura
Species	Lonchura punctulata

Range & Habitat