Bronze Mannikin
NameBronze Mannikin
Common NameBronze Mannikin
Scientific NameSpermestes cucullata
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)9.5
Weight (g)9
Plumage DetailsAdults have a dark brown to black head and throat, a bronze-brown back and wings, and a white breast and belly. The flanks are black with prominent white barring, and there is an iridescent green or bronze patch on the shoulder. The bill is pale blue-grey.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched 'tseep' or 'chip' notes, often given in flight or while foraging. They also have a quiet, chattering song.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and eastern South Africa.
Identifying Featuressmall size, dark head, bronze-brown back, white belly, barred flanks, pale blue-grey bill, iridescent shoulder patch
Description
The Bronze Mannikin is a small, social estrildid finch with a distinctive dark head, bronze-brown back, and white underparts with barred flanks. They are often seen in flocks, foraging for seeds in grasslands and cultivated areas.
