This Scaly-breasted Munia (previously named Nutmeg Mannikin) shows off his large bill, clearly designed for seed eating. The bird is only 4-1 /2 inches long, and is very pretty.
This Scaly-breasted Munia (previously named Nutmeg Mannikin), was feeding among these tall grasses along a stream at Los Angeles Arboretum. He was picking seeds out of the grass seed heads. This shot shows an individual seed held in his large beak.
While birding and photographing at Los Angeles Arboretum yesterday, I came across a small flock of Scaly-breasted Munia (previously named Nutmeg Mannikin). Though native to Southeast Asia, there are well established breeding populations in the Los Angeles area.