Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

Family: Munias, Parrotfinches, Waxbills, and Allies · Status: Common resident and common introduced resident · Size: 12–12.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Occurs from the Himalayan foothills through the Indian subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia.

Identification

The introduced topela has brown upperparts with brownish scales on breast and flanks, chestnut-tinged head-sides, and whitish belly centre and vent. Local race fretensis has paler upperparts and bolder, blacker scaling below. Juvenile is duller with very faint or absent scaling.

Habitat

Urban areas, cultivated lands, grasslands, scrub, and secondary growth.

Behaviour

Highly gregarious; forages in small flocks, sometimes with other munia species.