Black-and-white Mannikin

The black-and-white mannikin, also known as the black-and-white munia or red-backed mannikin, is a diminutive estrildid finch adorned in a striking contrast of black and white plumage. This small bird is a member of the genus Spermestes and is scientifically recognized as Spermestes bicolor.

Identification Tips

To identify the black-and-white mannikin, one should look for its distinctive black and white coloration. The bird exhibits a pattern that is quite unmistakable among finches, with the subspecies varying slightly in their markings and hues.

Habitat

The black-and-white mannikin thrives in the moist savannas and the subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, where it finds the conditions ideal for its lifestyle.

Distribution

This species has a broad range across the African tropical rainforest, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 4,200,000 km². It is found from Guinea-Bissau to Cameroon and extends to south Sudan, southwest Ethiopia, west Kenya, and the island of Bioko. Its range also includes southeast DR Congo, northwest Zambia, central Kenya, south Somalia, east Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and east South Africa.

Diet and Feeding

As seedeaters, black-and-white mannikins primarily forage for various seeds, but their diet is known to include algae as well, showing a degree of dietary flexibility.

Conservation status

The black-and-white mannikin is currently evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its populations warranting a higher level of concern.