Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata (Linnaeus, 1758)

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata occurs in the Oriental Region and Australasia, from north-east Afghanistan, India and Sri Lanka through to eastern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, the Greater Sundas, Sulawesi and the Lesser Sundas. It is a passerine in the waxbill family, and Linnaeus described it in 1758. The bird is identified by the scale-like pattern on its breast and belly. It is also known as the spotted munia, and in the pet trade it is called the nutmeg mannikin or spice finch.

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Estrildidae — Waxbills, Munias & Allies

Breeding range

Oriental Region, Australasia: ne Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka to e China, Taiwan, Philippines, Greater Sundas, Sulawesi and Lesser Sundas