Alternative name: Bronze Munia
- Spermestes cucullatus
Lonchura cucullata
Identification
Total length 9 cm (3½ in)
Similar Species
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 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 ).
Taxonomy
Sometimes placed in the genus Lonchura.
Subspecies[1]
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
Habitat
Grassy areas near woodland, forest edge and gardens.
Behaviour
Social.
Diet
Feeds mainly on seeds (especially from grasses). Will visit garden feeders.
Breeding
Grass is used in the making of the nest, which is placed in a tree.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- BF Member observations
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Bronze Mannikin. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 6 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Bronze_Mannikin
