Bronze mannikin

Spermestes cucullata

The bronze mannikin or bronze munia (Spermestes cucullata) is a small passerine (i.e.

Family: Estrildidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Bronze mannikin

About the Bronze mannikin

The bronze mannikin or bronze munia (Spermestes cucullata) is a small passerine (i.e. perching) bird of the Afrotropics. This very social estrildid finch is an uncommon to locally abundant bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert, where it is resident, nomadic or irruptive in mesic savanna or forest margin habitats. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 23,600,000 km2 (9,100,000 sq mi). It is the smallest and most widespread of four munia species on the African mainland, the other being black-and-white, red-backed and magpie mannikin. It co-occurs with the Madagascar mannikin on the Comoro Islands, and was introduced to Puerto Rico. Especially in the West Africa, it is considered a pest in grain and rice fields. It is locally trapped for the pet bird trade.

Fun Facts About Bronze mannikin

  • This very social estrildid finch is an uncommon to locally abundant bird in much of Africa south of the Sahara Desert, where it is resident, nomadic or irruptive in mesic savanna or forest margin habitats.
  • It is the smallest and most widespread of four munia species on the African mainland, the other being black-and-white, red-backed and magpie mannikin.
  • It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 23,600,000 km2 (9,100,000 sq mi).

Conservation Status

The Bronze mannikin is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyEstrildidae
GenusSpermestes
SpeciesSpermestes cucullata

Range & Habitat

Range map of Bronze mannikin

🛍️ Bronze mannikin Gifts & Merch

Show your love for bronze mannikins! Find t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, mugs, and more at our store.

Browse Bronze mannikin Merch →

Related Species

Other species in the Estrildidae family: