ID Help- San Diego, California, August 29th 2021 (with pictures) (1 Viewer)

[RoadRunnerFan]

Hi there, first-time poster 👋

I really love identifying birds in my area. Today, I came across a pair of small birds who for the life of me, I cannot find a match for online. I thought they might be some sort of finch, but I am not sure.

Here are a few pictures(low quality, sorry), and two videos.

Link to the videos:

https://imgur.com/a/AMJnDbR

Both birds were hanging out in the long grass and nibbling on it. They have a tightly spotted underbelly and a dark-brown back, with a little, yellow-ish, fan-shaped tail. Very sleek looking birds! I couldn't hear them call.

I've never seen them before, so I thought they might be escapee pets. I have seen a zebra finch in the area, so there is a precedent. I appreciate any help I can get!

 

[birdmeister]

Looks like they are Scaly-breasted Munia, an escapee that is establishing itself in several US cities.

 

[Microtus]

Looks like they are Scaly-breasted Munia, an escapee that is establishing itself in several US cities.

I agree

 

[KC Foggin]

I'm just going to jump in here and wish you a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

 

[RoadRunnerFan]

I'm just going to jump in here and wish you a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum
We're glad you found us and please join in wherever you like

Thank you! Most of my attempts at identification just amount to me balancing binoculars while furiously flipping through Sibley's guide to birds, so it is very handy to know there is a dedicated and active community online. I will no doubt return with more questions.

Also, after looking at it, Scaly-breasted Munia really does seem to be the exact match. Thank you, everyone!

 

[Microtus]

Welcome to the Forum, RoadRunnerFan! I loved the long weekend birding I had in San Diego a few years ago.

 

[connorco]

an escapee that is establishing itself in several US cities.

They're pretty well established all throughout costal Southern California.

 

[Jeff Hopkins]

They're pretty well established all throughout costal Southern California.

And very well established in San Diego.