The Scaly-breasted Munia is a small gregarious bird which feeds mainly on seeds. It is usually seen in open woodland and cultivation. The nest is a large domed grass structure in a tree which 4–10 white eggs are laid.The Scaly-breasted Munia is 11–14cm in length. The adult has a dark beak, brown upperparts and darker brown head. The underparts are white with black scale markings. Both sexes are similar, but immature birds have pale brown upperparts, lack the darker head and have uniform buff underparts.