Birds of Karnataka Part 2.

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. The species has 11 subspecies... less ↑

The Tricoloured Munia (Lonchura malacca) is an estrildid finch, native to India, Sri Lanka, Southern China, Taiwan and most of Southeast Asia. The species was also introduced to Guam, Jamaica, Palau, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Vanuatu and Venezuela. This species too like the Chestnut Munia has been known as the Black-headed Munia in the past. Immature birds have pale brown upperparts, lack the dark head found in adults, and have uniform buff underparts that can be confused... less ↑