← Back All Species
Scaly-breasted Munia
Scaly-breasted Munia photographed at Huntington Beach, CA by Andrew McElfresh
Scaly-breasted Munia — Huntington Beach, CA — photo by Andrew McElfresh · March 10, 2026
Lonchura punctulata

The scaly-breasted munia or spotted munia, 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. The species has 11 subspecies across its range, which differ slightly in size and colour.

This Scaly-breasted Munia was photographed at Huntington Beach, CA on March 10, 2026. View all Scaly-breasted Munia photos →