12. Scaly-breasted Munia (ಚುಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಟವಾಳ - Chukke Raatavaala)

Scaly-breasted Munia (ಚುಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಟವಾಳ - Chukke Raatavaala).

The scaly-breasted munia or spotted munia (Kannada Name - ಚುಕ್ಕೆ ರಾಟವಾಳ - Chukke Raatavaala) (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 across their range and differ slightly in size and colour

Scaly-breasted Munia (ಚುಕ್ಕ ರಾಟವಾಳ - Chukka Raatavaala)

This munia eats mainly grass seeds apart from berries and small insects. They forage in flocks and communicate with soft calls and whistles. The species is highly social and may sometimes roost with other species of munias. This species is found in tropical plains and grasslands. Breeding pairs construct dome-shaped nests using grass or bamboo leaves. Wiki 

Scaly-breasted Munia with Juveniles

Scaly-breasted Munia -  Juvenile

Types of Munia/finches Species found in Mysuru:

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in India, 6 in Karnataka and I have found 5 in Mysuru

• Red Munia
• White-throated munia
• White-rumped munia
• Scaly-breasted munia
• Tricoloured munia