chestnut-breasted mannikin

I'd wandered along the top of the weir to get a closer view of something which I'll get to later. Suddenly Judy called to me pointing to something across the other side of the water and eventually I realised she was pointing at a tree. There were a large flock of Chestnut-breasted Mannikins...

Doesn't seem to be much around anywhere at the moment .

Last seasons bird just about there with adult feathers .

Plenty of Grass seeds for them to feed on at the moment.

Another little one to cross off our wish-list. This pair of Chestnut-breasted Mannikin were spotted feeding in a park with a number of Double-barred and Crimson Finches near the Naval base in Darwin.

Three posts today of more birds from the leaking tap at our picnic spot... Mannikins accompanied by some Double-barred Finches.

Just sat down and watched as a couple of these fed on grass seeds around me

also known as the Chestnut-breasted Munia or Bully Bird (in Australia). The species introduced in French Polynesia.

The wetlands are completely dry and covered with seeding weeds . Large flocks of these Mannikins although they don't stay still for very long. Even the main lake to one side of the wetlands is almost dry.

Taken on another dull day but shows both front and rear view

After not seeing Chestnut-breasted Mannikins in our area for many years,Judy spotted 5 yesterday along a creek in an area that we had never visited before.Got a couple of shots before they flew off.Hope you like this beautiful little finch.

Very few facing the camera, the rest have thier backs to it.