Scaly-breasted Munia look-alikes
Lonchura punctulata
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Scaly-breasted Munia. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Black-headed Munia
Lonchura malacca
Key differences
The Black-headed Munia has a solid black head, throat, and upper breast, contrasting sharply with white underparts and chestnut flanks. It lacks the scaly pattern of the Scaly-breasted Munia. Its bill is typically bicolored, grey and black.
White-rumped Munia
Lonchura striata
Key differences
The White-rumped Munia has a dark brown head and upperparts, but its underparts are white with fine streaking on the flanks, not scales. Crucially, it has a prominent white rump, which the Scaly-breasted Munia lacks (its rump is yellowish-brown).
Chestnut Munia
Lonchura atricapilla
Key differences
Similar to the Black-headed Munia, the Chestnut Munia has a black head and throat, but its entire underparts and flanks are rich chestnut, lacking any white or scaly pattern. Its bill is also bicolored.
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