Scaly-breasted Munia
Photo: Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0

Munias, Parrotfinches, Waxbills, and Allies

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

LCLeast Concern
Family
Munias, Parrotfinches, Waxbills, and Allies (Estrildidae)
Order
Passeriformes

Overview

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. A species of the genus Lonchura, it was formally described and named by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. 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.

Summary from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Range and habitat

Sources and further reading

Last updated September 29, 2026.