Scaly-breasted Munia

The scaly-breasted munia, or spotted munia, known in the pet trade as the nutmeg mannikin, is a sparrow-sized finch native to tropical Asia, named for the scale-like markings on the breast and belly. Adults are brown above with a dark conical bill, and 11 subspecies differ slightly in size and colour. It ranges from India and Sri Lanka east to Indonesia and the Philippines and has been introduced to other places, with feral populations in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola and parts of Australia and the USA (Wikipedia, general species account).

It eats mainly grass seeds and forages in flocks, communicating with soft calls and whistles, and may roost with other munias. Breeding pairs build dome-shaped nests from grass or bamboo leaves. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).