| Photo Information |
Copyright: Luis Limchiu (sle2006)
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 41 W: 0 N: 69]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif) (567) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-08 |
| Categories: Birds |
| Camera: Canon 300D REBEL, 75-300mm |
| Exposure: f/10.0, 1/200 seconds |
| Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop |
| Date Submitted: 2006-09-25 9:42 |
| Viewed: 1088 |
| Points: 1 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Seen at UP Diliman
Scaly-breasted Mannikin/Finch, Spotted Munia, Spice Bird/Finch, Nutmeg Finch, Pipit Pinang (Malay)
Scaly-breasted Munias are among the most common Munias and are now quite common in Singapore too. They are found even in urban areas as well as cultivated lands, grasslands, scrub, secondary growth. But they were not so common in earlier records, suggesting that they could have been introduced.
Scaly-breasted Munias specialise in eating grass seeds and sedges, and have large conical beaks adapted for this purpose. They feed both on seeding heads on grass stems, as well as on ripe seeds that have fallen to the ground. They may also snack on small berries, such as those of the Lantana bush. Some have been seen picking at road kills.
Scaly-breasted Munias are highly gregarious and forage in small flocks, sometimes with other Munia species. Mangrove and wetland wildlife at
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
A large flock foraging in grass would move in a regular pattern. First a few birds would move forwards, followed by another few, and so on in waves. Or the birds at the back would leap-frog over the birds in front. Once a grass patch is thoroughly worked through, the whole flock would fly off to another patch. Smaller flocks feed haphazardly. At the end of the day, they may gather in flocks at the topmost branches of a bare or open tree, calling to each other. They then disperse to roost in smaller groups or pairs within nests, even outside the breeding season. Sometimes, up to a dozen birds may squeeze into a nest. These roosting nests are spread far apart. They may also roost with other Munias or even with weaver birds.
Breeding: Scaly-breasted Munias breed year round and may have multiple broods on a good year, up to 3-4 broods. The males perform a courting song, which may attract another male or even several. These males perch close to the singer and peer intently at his bill. This behaviour is called "peering". A male also entices a female by flying about with a bit of grass in his bill and flickering his wings and tail. If the female is interested, she too picks up a bit of grass and flickers her wings.
Source www.Natura |
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