Wednesday 9 April 2014

Chestnut - breasted Mannikin

These little birds are called Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Lonchura castaneothorax and I could not get any closer for photographs than these shots.  They were taken near Innisfail, Queensland.


They are 12 cm, common, sedentary or seasonally nomadic.



Their habitat is clumps of rank, tall grass in damp environs, wet grassland, swamp margins and swampy heath, mangroves, cane fields, rice fields. They congregate in small to large flocks. 



Even in the breeding season the flock keeps fairly close, forming a loose breeding colony.


When feeding, birds climb strong grass stems to snip away the seed heads.



Their contact call is a clear, bell-like, quick ‘tlit’; when used among a feeding flock, a slightly longer ‘tleit’. The song is a long series of fine, clear notes in many variations: sounds such as ‘twee, tee-oo, chie-ook, chee-ing’.



Breeds in Wet in coastal N; inland, any time after good rain. Highly social, often in large flocks; nests in colonies. Small, tall, domed ovoid of grass, fine grass lining, up to 2 m from ground in tall grass, reeds, scrub, sugarcane or some other tall crop.


 Clutch 4–7 (17 x 12 mm). Incubation 12–13 days; young fledge at 21–22 days.



I hope you enjoyed see this little bird from Australia.

Thank you for visiting.

Many thanks for comments you left on any of my posts.

I am linking this post with WILD BIRD WEDNESDAY

24 comments:

  1. great backdrop the lovely green behind the Mannikins; I'm yet to see them for myself; so much more of Australia to tread!!

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  2. Great to be able to get photos of those beautiful little birds. You have certainly seen a good variety of Aussie birds and landscapes too.

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  3. Pretty birds, it is nice to see a group together! Wonderful shots!

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  4. Splendid looking birds - I think northern Australia has a larger selection of finches and similar birds to my neck of the woods.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  5. Such cute little birds and hope they don't hurt their little feet on the barb wire. Have never heard of these before. Thanks for sharing them!

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  6. They are pretty little birds, lovely photos of them, thanks Margaret!

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  7. Definitely Mannikins! I love this group of birds. It's not everyday I get to see these birds around our area. I have to down to Central American and find them. Very nice sightings!

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  8. A handsome little bird.

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  9. They are glorious! I love seeing critters from other parts of the world!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  10. Very pretty little birds. Beautiful colours.

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  11. Such pretty little birds! I love your series of photos!

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  12. I have never seen these before, they are stunning! They look like they have been painted by an artist. But then again, they have been!!

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  13. A great set of photos Margaret.


    peter

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  14. nicely colored birds. Don´t think I have heard of them before. And I like the fence they sit on. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  15. Pretty birds! Love the shots with them sitting on the fence and the green background.

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  16. Awww! Such sweet little birds. I love the way they are lined up on the barbed wire fence.

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  17. Love the fence post/barbed wire shots! They really speak to my country girl's heart. Lovely captures of these little birds in an idyllic setting!

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  18. I love the fence and the peaceful countryside. I can't get over how green it is. I especially like all the details you've shared about these sweet birds. A great series of photos, Margaret!

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  19. Lovely captures of these cute flock of birds.

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  20. They are very charming - I like their white underbellies. I can nearly hear them from your wonderful description. - Karen

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  21. Dearest Margaret;
    Chestnut-breasted Mannikin; so adorable and cute♡♡♡ Tiny like me,p;) Really beautiful pictures of sweet bird with green.

    Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*

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  22. I also like them dotted on the fence. Such beautiful small birds.

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