The great-billed mannikin or grand munia is a species of estrildid finch found in northern and eastern New Guinea. It is found in wetlands habitat. The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs across the northern and eastern lowlands of New Guinea, frequenting freshwater marshes, swamps, and lake margins. It favors dense reedbeds, tall grasses, and sedge-dominated wetlands, and readily uses rice paddies and seasonally flooded fields. Birds are often seen along slow rivers, oxbow lakes, and sago swamps. They perch low, moving between seed-laden stems and the ground to forage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 900 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the grand munia, this estrildid finch is endemic to New Guinea’s northern and eastern lowlands. Its oversized, powerful bill is adapted for cracking tough grass and sedge seeds. It often forms flocks in wetlands and rice fields and roosts communally in dense reeds. Although assessed as Least Concern, local wetland drainage can affect its habitat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating, bounding flight over reeds
Social Behavior
Typically found in small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, often mixing with other munias. Pairs nest in dense vegetation, constructing globular grass nests low in reeds or tall grasses. They may breed semi-colonially where suitable habitat is continuous. Communal roosting in reedbeds is common.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twitters and trills with thin tsip calls used for contact in flocks. The song is modest and repetitive, delivered from a perch within reeds or grasses.
