The bronze mannikin or bronze munia is a small passerine 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 8,100,000 km2. 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.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Widespread in the Afrotropics, inhabiting mesic savannas, forest edges, riverine thickets, agricultural fields, and urban gardens. They favor areas with seeding grasses and shrubs, often near water. The species is resident over most of its range but may make local nomadic movements tracking food. It co-occurs with Madagascar mannikin on the Comoro Islands and has been introduced to parts of the Caribbean.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
Bronze mannikins are highly social estrildid finches that form tight flocks and communal roosts, often in reeds or dense shrubs. They adapt well to human-modified landscapes and can become agricultural pests in rice and millet fields. Nests are neat, ball-shaped structures of grass with a side entrance, and pairs may also build separate roost nests outside the breeding season. They have been introduced beyond Africa, including to Puerto Rico.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically in small to large flocks, often mixing with other seed-eating finches. Pairs build ball-shaped grass nests in trees, palms, or shrubs, and communal roosting is common year-round. Both sexes share incubation and chick rearing, and they may raise multiple broods where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twitters and thin tsip notes used constantly to keep flock contact. The song is a gentle series of squeaks and trills, delivered from a perch and during short display flights.
Plumage
Compact finch with brown to bronze-glossed upperparts and white underparts, the flanks and sides of the breast finely scaled or barred brown. Tail is dark and fairly short; overall appearance is neatly patterned without strong contrast. Juveniles are duller with reduced scaling and a paler bill.
Diet
Primarily small seeds of grasses and cultivated grains such as millet and rice. They also take green seed heads, some buds, and occasional small insects, especially when feeding young. In settled areas, they readily visit feeding stations for millet or mixed finch seed.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in seeding grass patches, farmland edges, and weedy lots, often on the ground or clinging to seed heads. Frequently forages along roadsides, in gardens, and near water where grasses remain lush.
