ID Keys: Rich brown upperparts, light underparts with "scaling" on
flanks and breast, dark bill
The
Scaly-breasted Munia is native to India, southern China, and much of
southeastern Asia. They are a popular cage bird in many parts of the
world, where they are often called "Nutmeg Mannikin" or "Spice Finch".
Given their widespread popularity, escapees have established populations in
many parts of the world. In the United States, the American Birding
Association recognized them as a permanent species in 2013 based on large
breeding populations that have become established in southern California.
Breeding populations also occur in and around the San Francisco Bay in
California, near Houston, Texas, and locally elsewhere in the southern
United States. They are also well established on several islands in
the Caribbean.
Habitat
Found in grassland habitats in
their native range, particularly in areas near sources of fresh water.
They will feed heavily on grain if available, and can also thus be found
around grain fields and rice paddies. Introduced populations in the
United States are found in a variety of open habitats with suitable foraging
opportunities, including farmland, urban edges, and grassy and shrubby
fields.
Diet
Feeds heaviliy on seeds, but will also
sometimes feed on berries and small fruits. They will feed heavily on
grain and rice if available. On occasion they will also feed on
insects, and have been noted to often feed on algae prior to the breeding
season.
Behavior
Scaly-breasted Munia are a very social
species, often found foraging in large flocks.
Nesting
The nest of a Scaly-breasted Munia is a
large dome, made of grasses, leaves, or other vegetative material, with a
side entrance. It is typically placed in a tree or shrub, but they
will also utilize man-made structures and place nests in protected locations
such as window ledges or under eaves of buildings. The female lays 4
to 8 eggs, and both parents help to incubate them. The young hatch
after about 2 weeks. Both parents feed the young, which fledge about 3
weeks after hatching.
Song
Has a variety of vocalizations, particularly
when communicating in flocks. Typical calls include a sharp chip
note used in alarm, short whistles, and a chit-tee chit-tee
chattering. During courting, males will sing a very quiet, variable,
long song of a series of whistled and chattered notes and phrases.
Migration
Considered a non-migratory resident
throughout its range.
