Least Concern (LC)

10–12.5 cm in length; a small, sparrow-sized bird with a stout, cone-shaped bill, brown upperparts and distinctive dark, scale-like markings on its pale breast and belly.

Resident in India, including the Hyderabad region; no regular long-distance migration.

No regular migration; generally remains within its local range throughout the year.

Mainly June–August in India, during the summer monsoon; timing can vary by region and conditions.

Builds a large, dome-shaped grass nest with a side entrance, usually in trees or shrubs; sometimes nests in building cavities or beneath roofs.

Grasslands, gardens, agricultural fields, rice paddies, scrub and open areas with abundant grasses and seeds.

Mainly grass seeds and cultivated grains, including rice; also eats some berries and small insects.