Date: 3/29/26 3:46 pm From: Julia Larke via groups.io <coastlark...> Subject: Re: [Mendobirds] Scaly-breasted Munias at UWWTP
I wondered what on earth is a scaly-breasted munia and just learned it's an
attractive bird from India and Southeast Asia that is sold in the pet trade
and often called a nutmeg mannikin or a spice finch (though it's a member
of the waxbill family). Known for their hardiness, escaped pets have
established populations globally, including Southern California, the Gulf
Coast, Hawaii, Australia and the Caribbean. In recent years, their range is
apparently expanding into San Francisco and the Bay Area.
On Sun, Mar 29, 2026, 9:58 AM George Gibbs via groups.io <ggibbs=
<pacific.net...> wrote:
> 3/29/26
>
> Chuck Vaughn and I observed 3-5 Scaly-breasted Munias at the Ukiah
> Wastewater Treatment Plant this morning. Previously, Chuck Vaughn had seen
> one bird over the winter so perhaps these birds stayed in the area. They
> were located along the south fence line as before. Will post photos to
> eBird.
>
> Nice mud showing in middle and North ponds so hopefully it will be a good
> spring for shorebirds at the plant. Avocets and Stilts already exhibiting
> some nest building behavior.
>
> George Gibbs
> Ukiah
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