Lonchura nevermanni
The Grey-crowned Mannikin (Lonchura nevermanni) is a striking, small passerine belonging to the Estrildidae family, often referred to as munias or mannikins. This diminutive finch measures approximately 10-11 cm (4-4.3 inches) in length, exhibiting a relatively compact build. Its distinctive plumage features a soft grey crown and nape, contrasting sharply with a black face and throat, while the upperparts are a rich chestnut-brown. A clean white belly provides a stark contrast to the dark fla...
Found in lowland tall grasslands, often near water bodies, including marshy areas, savanna, and cultivated rice paddies, typically below 100 meters elevation.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of grass seeds; occasionally supplements its diet with small insects, particularly during breeding season.
Grey-crowned Mannikins are highly social, diurnal birds often observed in small to medium-sized flocks, sometimes numbering over 50 individuals, foraging communally on the ground or clinging to grass stems. Their foraging strategy primarily involves gleaning seeds from the inflorescences of grass...
The Grey-crowned Mannikin is endemic to the island of New Guinea, with a highly restricted distribution in the southern lowlands. Its range spans from the Mimika region in Papua Province (Indonesia) eastwards across the vast southern plains of Papua New Guinea. Key areas include the Fly River bas...
Least Concern
- The Grey-crowned Mannikin is one of over 30 species within the diverse *Lonchura* genus, a group renowned for its seed-eating habits across Australasia and Asia. - Its scientific name, *nevermanni*, honors Hans Nevermann, a German ethnologist who collected specimens in New Guinea. - This specie...