The scaly-breasted munia or spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata), known in the pet trade as nutmeg mannikin or spice finch, is a finch native to tropical Asia. Its name is based on the distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly.
They forage in flocks, sometimes more than 100 and communicate with soft calls and whistles. and are highly social. This munia eats mainly grass seeds apart from berries and small insects.
The ease of maintaining these birds in captivity has made them popular for studying behaviour and physiology. Feeding behaviour can be predicted by the optimal foraging theory, where animals minimise time and energy spent to maximise food intake.
Shot in Coorg, Feb 2026, © Dr. Bishan Monnappa
