Spermestes cucullata
The Bronze Mannikin, *Spermestes cucullata*, is a diminutive and highly social estrildid finch, renowned for its striking, iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches) in length and weighing a mere 7-12 grams, it is one of the smaller members of its family. Key field marks include its contrasting black head, neck, and upper breast, which graduate into a distinctive bronze-green sheen across its mantle and wings, giving the species its common name. The underparts are pred...
Primarily found in open woodlands, savannas, grasslands with scattered trees, cultivated areas, gardens, and forest edges, often near human habitation, typically in lowlands to moderate altitudes up to 2000 meters.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on small grass seeds gleaned from the ground or directly from seed heads. They also consume small insects, particularly termites, especially during the breeding season.
Bronze Mannikins are highly diurnal and exceptionally gregarious, often foraging and roosting in large flocks that can number in the hundreds, sometimes forming mixed-species groups with other estrildids. They engage in communal roosting in dense vegetation, such as reeds or thorny bushes, for sa...
The Bronze Mannikin has a vast and widespread distribution across Sub-Saharan Africa, extending from Senegal and Gambia in West Africa eastward through the Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, south through Kenya and Tanzania, and into parts of southeastern South Af...
Least Concern
- The Bronze Mannikin is one of the smallest estrildid finches, barely larger than a golf ball. - They are highly social, often forming flocks of up to hundreds of individuals, which can include other mannikin species. - These birds are known to be frequent hosts for brood parasites, particularly...