Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Hooded Mannikin

Lonchura spectabilis

The Hooded Mannikin, also known as the Hooded Munia or Sclater's Mannikin, is a diminutive estrildid finch with a distinctive appearance. Its plumage is a study in contrasts: a dark, black head is set against a creamy-white breast, belly, and flanks, while the rump shimmers in shades of orange. Above, it is cloaked in a rich brown, and the bird's overall size is modest, yet its presence is anything but.

Identification Tips

When observing the Hooded Mannikin, look for its black head, which seamlessly blends into the russet mantle. The creamy-white underparts are a stark contrast, and the golden to orange rump is a beacon of color. The juvenile resembles the adult but is not to be confused with the larger Great-billed Mannikin, despite some superficial similarities in their immature plumages.

Habitat

This species thrives in the foothills and mid-montane grasslands, often in areas altered by human activity. It is a bird that has adapted to the changing landscapes, finding sanctuary in the spaces we have shaped.

Distribution

The Hooded Mannikin is endemic to New Britain and New Guinea, with various subspecies scattered across the region, each with its own unique range and subtle variations in plumage.

Behaviour

In the wild, these birds form flocks that can number up to 40 individuals, displaying a remarkable lack of fear towards humans. They exhibit strong pair bonds, with males vigilantly watching for danger while their mates feed or bathe, always ready to follow their partner at a moment's notice.

Song & Calls

The Hooded Mannikin communicates with a repertoire of calls, including a 'peep' or 'seep' from both sexes. The male's song is a series of high-pitched 'weee' notes, often followed by a rapid succession of 'pee' notes. In social situations, a male may deliver a softer, more complex subsong.

Breeding

Come October, when the taro plants send up new shoots, the Hooded Mannikin enters its breeding season. The female may lay a clutch of five to six eggs, and nests are communal roosts, often referred to as "Young men's houses." These nests are constructed from grasses and other plant materials, their shape influenced by the chosen location.

Similar Species

While the Hooded Mannikin is unique in its range, it is important to distinguish it from other munias, particularly juveniles, which may bear a resemblance but differ significantly in size and other key characteristics.

Diet and Feeding

These munias are known to feed on seeds, such as those of the introduced grass Rottboellia exaltata, and exhibit a preference for algae found in stagnant water bodies. Local knowledge reveals that they are hunted for food while feeding, a testament to their importance in the ecosystem.

Conservation status

The Hooded Mannikin is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival. However, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure that it remains a common sight in its natural habitat.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

More Waxbills, Munias & Allies

A photo of a Plum-headed Finch (Aidemosyne modesta) , male

Plum-headed Finch

Aidemosyne modesta
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Paul F
Very good database
Highly recommend. It great that this app shows you male Vs female variations when posting. Very good database I'm really impressed.
778
Great bird recording
For a while I’ve been trying to find an app to easily record bird lists and day out and struggled to find one that I like. Birda is great for this, straightforward and a great community!
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Erna M
I really like Birda
I really like Birda. I also use other birding apps and have Birda with E-bird going at the same time.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.