# Scaly-breasted Munia

> Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata). Adults show scale-like marks across the breast and belly, a brown back and a stout dark bill; young birds are plainer.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-punctulata/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/lonchura-punctulata/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Scaly-breasted Munia (*Lonchura punctulata*) is a bird in the family Estrildidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. Diet: seed-eater (granivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Lonchura punctulata* |
| Indonesian name | Bondol peking |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Passeriformes |
| GBIF records | 13,931 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493598) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — seed-eater (granivore) · [BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards](https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lonchura-punctulata) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Scaly-breasted Munia?

Scaly-breasted Munia refers to Lonchura punctulata, in the genus Lonchura, family Estrildidae, and order Passeriformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493598)

## What is known about the Scaly-breasted Munia?

Adults show scale-like marks across the breast and belly, a brown back and a stout dark bill; young birds are plainer.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonchura%20punctulata)

## How many Indonesian records name the Scaly-breasted Munia?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 13,931 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2493598&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2493598&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Scaly-breasted Munia?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Scaly-breasted Munia with Javan Munia, White-headed Munia, White-breasted Woodswallow. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Scaly-breasted Munia

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | *Lonchura* |
| Species | *Lonchura punctulata* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Scaly-breasted Munia

### What is the scientific name of the Scaly-breasted Munia?

The scientific name of the Scaly-breasted Munia is *Lonchura punctulata*, in the family Estrildidae and the order Passeriformes. In Indonesian it is called Bondol peking.

### What kind of animal is the Scaly-breasted Munia?

The Scaly-breasted Munia is a bird in the family Estrildidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a seed-eater (granivore).

### Where does the Scaly-breasted Munia live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Scaly-breasted Munia summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Scaly-breasted Munia eat?

The Scaly-breasted Munia is a seed-eater (granivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards](https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lonchura-punctulata).

### How does the Scaly-breasted Munia reproduce?

The Scaly-breasted Munia reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Scaly-breasted Munia nocturnal?

The cited source records the Scaly-breasted Munia as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Scaly-breasted Munia?

Scientific classification of the Scaly-breasted Munia: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Passeriformes, family Estrildidae, genus *Lonchura*, species *Lonchura punctulata*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Scaly-breasted Munia endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Scaly-breasted Munia is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493598), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Scaly-breasted Munia is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2493598)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2493598&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13893)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonchura%20punctulata)
5. [BirdLife Australia — Birds in Backyards](https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lonchura-punctulata)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Javan Munia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-leucogastroides/)
- [White-headed Munia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-maja/)
- [White-breasted Woodswallow](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/artamus-leucorhynchos/)
- [Hair-crested Drongo](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/dicrurus-hottentottus/)
- [Green Junglefowl](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/gallus-varius/)
- [Black-winged Flycatcher-shrike](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemipus-hirundinaceus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Scaly-breasted Munia. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lonchura-punctulata/