The buff-bellied mannikin, also known as the sooty munia or Bismarck munia, is a species of estrildid finch found in New Britain and Buka Island. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 20,000 to 50,000 km2.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago and Bougainville
Typical Environment
Occurs in open country with tall grasses, weedy fields, secondary growth, edges of forest, gardens, and coconut or mixed plantations. It frequents rice and millet plots where it takes ripening and fallen seeds. The species is typically near villages and disturbed habitats as well as natural grasslands and reedbeds. Small flocks move locally in search of seeding grasses, often perching conspicuously on stems.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the sooty munia or Bismarck munia, it is a small estrildid finch restricted to islands of Papua New Guinea such as New Britain and Buka. It forms tight, chattering flocks that sweep over grasslands and croplands to feed on ripening seeds. The contrasting buff belly against sooty-brown upperparts is a key field mark. Like many munias, it builds a spherical grass nest low in dense vegetation.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small to medium flocks, sometimes mixing with other mannikins. Pairs are monogamous and nest in dense grasses, shrubs, or plantation palms, weaving a spherical nest of fine stems. Communal roosting is common outside the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of twitters and high, sibilant trills, interspersed with thin tsip contact notes. Song is modest in volume and often delivered from a perch within grass or shrubs.
Plumage
Sooty-brown to blackish head, upperparts, and breast with a distinctly paler buff to warm-buff belly and vent. Feathers are smooth and close-fitting, giving a neat, compact look. Tail is dark; underparts show a clear contrast with the darker upper body.
Diet
Primarily granivorous, taking seeds of grasses, sedges, and cultivated cereals such as rice and millet. It picks seeds directly from seed-heads and also gleans fallen grains on the ground. Occasionally consumes small invertebrates, especially during breeding, but these form a minor part of the diet.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in rank grasslands, weedy verges, fallow fields, and edges of plantations. Often forages in small flocks, moving through seeding grasses and along field margins near human settlements.
