adult; little sexual dimorphism (California, USA; 2008-09-28)


Scaly-breasted Munia (Nutmeg Mannikin or Spotted Munia)
Lonchura punctulata

Native Range: Oriental Region

Notes: common in the pet store trade; in the USA escapees have established feral populations in Florida and California; adults have bold scaly-patterned underparts.


dorsal view; chocolate brown upperparts (California, USA; 2007-08-25)
juvenile starting to gain adult plumage (California, USA; 2006-09-10)

juvenile (California, USA; 2006-09-10)
feeding on grass seeds (California, USA; 2006-09-10)

adult and juvenile (California, USA; 2006-08-12)
thick conical, bluish-black bill (California, USA; 2011-04-22)

posing for portrait (California, USA; 2006-09-10)
posing for a head portrait (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-01)

smile for the camera (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-01)
reaching for seeds (Hawaii, USA; 2007-04-01)