Scaly-breasted Munia: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Birds of Asia, Africa and Australia · day 3 of 7

Five facts

1. This little finch from tropical Asia is named for the dark, scale-like marks on its white breast and belly.
2. Munias sleep pressed side by side, and the bird at the end often shoves its way toward the middle. Flock mates also preen each other's faces.
3. A lone munia spends the most time watching for danger. In a bigger group, each bird can relax a little, so seeds get gathered faster.
4. Some munias find seeds, others join the finders. A bird hopping with its head up is usually looking to join; head down means it is searching itself.
5. Its domed nest is woven from grass or bamboo leaves, with a door on the side, and the opening tends to face away from the usual wind.

The quiz

1. Where does the scaly-breasted munia get its name?

• Scaly skin on its legs
• Its diet of fish
• Scale-like marks on its breast and belly (correct)
• A scaly shell on its beak

Its name comes from the scale-like feather marks on its breast and belly.

2. When munias roost together, what does the bird on the outside often do?

• Pushes toward the middle (correct)
• Flies off to sleep alone
• Hangs upside down
• Sings loudly all night

The outermost bird often jostles toward the centre of the row.

3. What happens when munias feed in a bigger group?

• Each bird watches for danger more and eats less
• They stop eating
• Group size makes no difference
• Each bird watches less and seeds are gathered faster (correct)

Vigilance drops in larger groups and the birds collect seeds more quickly.

4. A munia hops along with its head held up. What is it most likely doing?

• Getting ready to sing
• Looking to join birds that found food (correct)
• Searching for water
• Building a nest

Hopping head up goes with joining others; head down goes with finding food.

5. Where is the entrance of a munia's domed nest?

• On top, facing the sky
• Under the ground
• On the side, facing downwind (correct)
• It has no entrance, it is an open cup

The domed nest has a side entrance that faces downwind.

More about the Scaly-breasted Munia

Same week

All lessons

Nature documentaries