Alternative name: Bronze Munia
- Spermestes cucullatus
Lonchura cucullata
Identification
Total length 9 cm (3½ in). Separated from the larger Magpie Mannikin by its shorter bill and barred rump.
Distribution
Widespread in Africa south of the Sahara. Absent from a large part of SW Africa (Namibia, W. and C. 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 ).
Taxonomy
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.
Sometimes placed in the genus Lonchura.
Habitat
Grassy areas near woodland, forest edge and gardens.
Behaviour
Social. Feeds mainly on seeds (esp. from grasses).
