Scaly-breasted Munia at My Fountain

About 9am is the time I get my camera ready at my dining room table and wait for the birds to come visit the patio fountain. A few regulars such as the House Finch and the Orange-crowned Warbler flew in as usual. All of a sudden, a flock of small brownish birds came in and all landed on the fountain. I looked at them wondering why I couldn't instantly recognize them. It was because this was the first time a flock of Scaly-breasted Munias had landed at the fountain! They all appeared to be juveniles, some coming into their adult plumage and quite a few just looked dull brown. As adults, their breasts will be covered in the black-and-white scale-like feathers which give them their name.  Scaly-breasted Munia, Lonchura punctulata, is 4 inches long with a wingspan of 7 inches. They are in the Waxbill family and are found in flocks. Their diet is mostly seeds, some berries and insects. 3 to 5 eggs will be laid which both male and female incubate. Eggs will hatch in about 14 days. Both parents will feed the young and the nestlings will fledge in about 18 days. Here are some photos of the Scaly-breasted Munia at my fountain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year everyone! Stay safe and healthy.