Antics of the Scaly-breasted Munia

When I called Eric from the hotel in San Luis Obispo to tell him that I had seen a new species on my travels (new to me, not new to science!), he asked, what exactly is a "Scaly-breasted Munia"? 
"It sounds more like a lizard than a bird!" 


Perhaps, but the "scales" aren't scales at all - the name comes from the lovely, intricate, lacy pattern of feathers on their breast.  Maybe "Lacy-breasted Munia" would sound more appealing.  Other names of the Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) include Nutmeg Mannikin and Spice Finch, names commonly used in the pet trade.

The brownish, sparrow-sized Scaly-breasted Munia is an Estrildid finch (family Estrildidae) indigenous to the Old World tropics.  Their native range spans Southeast Asia, India, the Philippines and Indonesia.  They were introduced in the New World through the pet trade (their beauty and gregarious nature apparently make them endearing pets, to some...) and escaped birds have been successfully establishing wild populations in California since the 1980's.



Scaly-breasted Munias are highly social birds, foraging and roosting together in large flocks.  In their native range, they are birds of tropical grasslands where they feed largely on grass seed as well as some small berries.  In California, where populations have become established in some coastal locations (especially in Southern California), they are generally associated with weedy areas like vacant lots and riparian areas.  They especially favor areas of marshy vegetation and reeds where grassland and water meet.  I found this gregarious and entertaining flock of nearly 30 individuals feeding on grass seed along the trail beside Laguna Lake in San Luis Obispo.


No, Scaly-breasted Munias are not "supposed" to be here in California, and yes, I generally have a problem with introduced species.  A species' ability to survive outside its native range is a testament to its adaptability and competitive life strategy; for a species to really  thrive in a new place, like European Starlings and House Sparrows have done across the entire North American continent, shows just how well those birds can out-compete native species.  Boisterous, bullying European Starlings and House Sparrows regularly outcompete our native Western Bluebirds and Tree Swallows, pushing them out of nest cavities which leads to the reproductive success of the non-native species and the failure of the natives.  It's an issue I like to draw attention to.

And yes, I also have a problem with the pet trade in general, and the exotic bird trade in particular.  There are facts and figures out there that truly make my blood boil, and no shortage of images that make me want to throw up my hands in despair and just have a good cry.  And lest you think this is something that only happens on the other side of the world, I assure you, it is not.  This is a very real problem here in California. 


So of course, while watching the entertaining antics of this flock of beautiful birds, these were the thoughts going through my head: the issue of invasive species, the cruelty of the pet trade.  (You're welcome for bringing that little ray of sunshine into your day.) 

But I don't intend to cause despair!  I only hope we can begin thinking about our actions and about what we owe to other living beings - humans, animals, the entire beautiful planet we have been blessed with.  Next time you see an exotic bird - be it a parrot at a zoo or a starling (or munia) in your yard - let them serve as a reminder to pause and think about the issues they represent.

Comments

  1. sywilkOctober 29, 2022 at 5:10 PM

    I have a flock of around thirty munias (I called them spice finches) in my yard; some mature with the distinct black and white chest that looks like a checkered flag and some immature that are smaller and solid chocolate brown. I know they are not natives - ferrels maybe, but not invasive in my book - because all they appear to eat are seeds (I buy cheap canary/finch food at the 99cent store). And they sing continually, making for a cheerful yard. They show no aggression towards the other small birds - juncos, house finches, sparrows, warblers, etc. and get along well with each other. I accept them as a pleasant little migrant, welcome in my yard any day.

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