From Opus

Alternative name: Bronze Munia

Photo by rudydbn
Durban, South Africa, July 2004

Lonchura cucullata

Spermestes cucullatus

[edit] Identification

Total length 9 cm (3½ in)

[edit] Similar Species

Separated from the larger Magpie Mannikin by its shorter bill and barred rump.

[edit] Distribution

Widespread in Africa south of the Sahara.

Absent from a large part of south-western Africa (Namibia, west and central South Africa and most of Botswana). Generally common to abundant.

This species has also been used in the trade of captive birds, and releases/escapes have resulted in naturalized populations in other parts of the world (e.g., Puerto Rico ).

Juvenile
Photo by scottishdude
The Gambia, March 2010

[edit] Taxonomy

Sometimes placed in the genus Spermestes.

[edit] Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:¹

• S. c. cucullatus

• Senegal to western Kenya and north-western Angola; São Tomé and Príncipé

• S. c. scutatus

• Ethiopia and Sudan to KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape Province; Comoros

[edit] Habitat

Grassy areas near woodland, forest edge and gardens.

Photo by rudydbn
Illovo Glen, Durban, South Africa, August 2005

[edit] Behaviour

Social.

[edit] Diet

Feeds mainly on seeds (especially from grasses). Will visit garden feeders.

[edit] Breeding

Grass is used in the making of the nest, which is placed in a tree.

[edit] References

1. Clements, JF. 2011. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to August 2011. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019. Spreadsheet available at http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/downloadable-clements-checklist
2. BF Member observations

• List of references

[edit] External Links