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Lonchura punctulata
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 across their range and differ slightly in size and colour.
Along with other Estrildines, these species are thought to have originated in Asia. The species been introduced to other parts of the world due to its popularity as a cage bird and populations have established in the wild.
Spotted on Oct 8, 2013
Submitted on Nov 8, 2013
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