Bronze Mannikin

The Bronze Mannikin, or Bronze Munia (Spermestes cucullata), presents itself as a diminutive passerine, a member of the estrildid finch family. This bird, with its compact form and a weight between 7 and 12 grams, is the smallest and most widespread of the four munia species found on the African mainland.

Identification Tips

Adult Bronze Mannikins are characterized by their black to brownish-black heads, chins, throats, and central chests, with a subtle purple-green iridescence adorning the face and sides of the breast. Their upper parts are greyish brown, while the underparts are white with irregular barring on the flanks and rump. Notably, a small green iridescent patch can be seen on the outer scapular feathers. Both sexes appear similar, and the immature birds are distinguishable by their dun brown upper parts and buff head and underpart plumage.

Habitat

These birds are commonly found in mesic savanna or forest margin habitats across the Afrotropics.

Distribution

The Bronze Mannikin is a resident, nomadic, or irruptive species across much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It also inhabits the islands of Bioko, Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia, and Comoro, and has been introduced to Puerto Rico.

Behaviour

Bronze Mannikins are highly social and gregarious, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a communal lifestyle, especially evident in their nesting habits, where they construct ball-shaped nests for roosting. These nests are frequently rebuilt using materials from dismantled ones. The flocks are known to defend their nesting area vigorously, yet they are welcoming to new flock members.

Song & Calls

The Bronze Mannikin communicates with a variety of calls, including a 'rreep-rreeep' in flight and a twittering series of wheezy or buzzing notes when perched. The male's song consists of a repetitive series of notes.

Breeding

Breeding Bronze Mannikins are prolific nest builders, capable of raising up to four broods annually under favorable conditions. Their nests are large domed structures made of grass, placed in trees. Each clutch consists of 4 to 8 small, white eggs, with a 12-day incubation period. Fledging occurs after three weeks, with independence reached three weeks thereafter.

Similar Species

The Bronze Mannikin can be confused with other munia species, but its size and specific plumage details, such as the barring on the flanks and the green iridescent patch, aid in its identification.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet primarily consists of seeds, including those from wild grasses, millet, rice, and grain. They may also consume termites, nectar, or algae.

Conservation status

The Bronze Mannikin is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.