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SCALY BREASTED MUNIA
Lonchura punctulata
7.30798, 80.6369
Field Notes
Description:
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 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 their range and 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 pairs construct dome-shaped nests using grass or bamboo leaves.
Habitat:
Scaly-breasted munias are found in a range of habitats but are usually close to water and grassland. In Sri Lanka & India, they are especially common in paddy fields where they are considered a minor pest on account of their feeding on grain. They are found mainly on the plains
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