Spotted or Scaly-breasted Munia

This sub-species is fairly common in the city. The birds inhabit lightly wooded areas and are often found near buildings. They are smaller than the common sparrow and have a reddish-brown colored head and upper body parts, with brownish-black speckled breast and abdomen.

Their thick bill helps in feeding on grains and grass seeds.  They move around in groups and during the breeding season can be spotted in pairs. Both sexes are alike. The pair in these photographs was in search of a nesting place and unsuccessfully attempted to build a nest in the covered balcony. After 2 or 3 days of collecting grass leaves for the nest, they abandoned the balcony for a better place in the tree nearby.