Scaly-breasted Munia

1. White belly and breast with prominent black scaly markings

2. Deep reddish-brown head and upperparts, darkest on the face and throat

3. Juveniles are plain brown above and below, lacking the scaly pattern

Scaly-breasted Munias breed year-round in Australia, with peak activity during the rainy season. Pairs form strong bonds and often remain together for several seasons. Nests are loosely built, ball-shaped structures with side entrances, constructed from grass or bamboo leaves and placed in shrubs, trees, or even building cavities. Clutches usually contain 4–6 eggs, with both parents sharing incubation and chick-rearing duties. Their diet consists mainly of grass seeds, but they also eat small berries and insects, especially during breeding.

Scaly-breasted Munias inhabit grassy areas with scattered shrubs or trees, agricultural lands, and urban parks and gardens, particularly along the eastern coast of Australia. They are highly social, forming flocks of ten to sixty birds, and are often seen foraging on the ground or climbing grass stems to reach seed heads. These birds are most active at dawn and dusk, and their soft, musical “tit-ti, tit-ti” or “kit-kit-kit” calls are often heard as they move through tall grasses.

Originally from India and Southeast Asia, the Scaly-breasted Munia was introduced to Australia in the 186s and has since established invasive populations, especially along the eastern and northern coasts.