Happy Christmas, and if that offends you then "Happy non-demoninational festive occasion, bah humbug".... all the best, Peace And GoodWill to all on earth. This is not a sparrow, but sometimes mistaken for them, this is the Scaly-breast Munia. This was taken in the very early morning light, as they began to forage close to bridespool road in the New Territories.
This bird is actually a small finch. It is also known as a spotted munia (Lonchura punctulata), and as it is a popular cage bird, it is known in the pet trade as nutmeg mannikin or spice finch. A bird endemic to Asia, but now widespread around the globe.
It gets its name from the distinct scale-like feather markings on the breast and belly.
They are normally seen in little groups, as it is a highly social bird.
As this photo shows, It feeds on seeds and you can often see them in the grasses.
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