Scaly-breasted Munia \ Lonchura punctulata

The Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata), is a small finch-like bird with a compact body, short conical bill, warm brown upperparts, and distinctive scale-like markings across the breast and belly. It is often seen in small flocks, moving through grasses, reeds, gardens, farms, and landscaped areas in search of seeds. Its fine patterned underparts make it easy to recognize when seen well, especially compared with the plainer Indian Silverbill.

In the UAE, the Scaly-breasted Munia is best treated as an introduced established species rather than a naturally native bird. The official EBRC checklist lists it as Category C, meaning an introduced species with self-sustaining breeding populations, and notes that it is uncommon in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with nesting recorded since 1993. It feeds mainly on grass seeds and small plant material, often using urban greenery, farms, parks, and wetland edges where grasses and reeds provide both food and cover.