The Spice Finch, also known as the scaly-breasted munia or nutmeg mannikin in the pet trade, is a sparrow-sized estrildid finch native to tropical Asia. It was formally named and described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 due to its unique scale-like feather patterns on the breast and belly. With a brown coloration and dark conical bill, this species has 11 subspecies found throughout its range, each varying slightly in size and color. While its diet primarily consists of grass seeds, this munia also consumes berries and small insects. They forage in groups and use soft calls and whistles to communicate. The species is highly social and may even roost with other munia species. The tropical plains and grasslands serve as the preferred habitat for this species, where breeding pairs build dome-shaped nests using grass or bamboo leaves.