The scaly-breasted munia is a small species of finch native to parts of tropical Asia. These darling birds are popular in aviculture, where they are known as spice finches or nutmeg mannikins.

Scaly-breasted munias have a pretty buffy brown plumage, highlighted by delicate "scales" on the white breast. Males and females are similar in plumage, although males tend to be darker overall.

In the wild the scaly-breasted munia will form large flocks of up to 100 individuals. They are known for being social, roosting while perched close together and engaging in mutual preening.