Nutmeg Mannikin
Lonchura punctulata

This small bird (10-12 cm) is an introduced species from Asia, normally found in India, Sri Lanka and the Philipines. They are thought to have been either released or to have escaped in Brisbane and SYdney sometime between 1920-1930 and have quickly become established down the eastern side of Australia. They are popular birds in the pet industry where they are known as Nutmeg Mannikin or Spice Finch, but are listed in the IOC World Bird Names list as Scaly-breasted Munia.
 

1: Cairns, Qld, 13/10/2011.
2: Cairns Esplanade, Qld, 08/03/2012.