The grey-crowned mannikin, or grey-crowned munia, is a species of estrildid finch of southern New Guinea. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 20,000 to 50,000 km2.
Region
New Guinea
Typical Environment
Occurs in the southern New Guinea lowlands, especially in the Trans-Fly savannas and seasonal wetlands extending into far southeastern Papua (Indonesia) and southwestern Papua New Guinea. It favors open grasslands, weedy fallows, and edges of swamps and lagoons. Birds are often seen along rivers, drainage canals, and rice fields where seeding grasses are abundant. It tolerates lightly modified landscapes but depends on standing seeding grasses and sedges. Local abundance fluctuates with rainfall and seeding cycles.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The grey-crowned mannikin (grey-crowned munia) is a small estrildid finch restricted to the southern lowlands of New Guinea. It often forms small flocks and frequents tall grass, sedges, and reedbeds near water. Like many munias, it builds a globular grass nest and may nest in loose colonies. Its range is relatively limited, but it can be locally common where suitable grasslands persist.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes mixing with other munias. Builds globular nests of grass low in dense vegetation or reeds. Breeding often coincides with peak grass seeding, and loose colonial nesting may occur. Roosts communally in thick grass or reedbeds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twitters and thin sibilant notes delivered in brief series. Calls include sharp peeps used for contact within flocks, with a simple, unobtrusive song given from low perches.
Plumage
Compact finch with a neat, smooth plumage; gray crown and upper head contrasting with warm brown upperparts and buffy underparts. Face shows a slightly darker mask around the lores and chin; bill is thick and bluish-black. Tail and wings are darker brown, with a tidy, unmarked look overall.
Diet
Primarily takes small grass and sedge seeds, plucked from seedheads or gleaned from the ground. During breeding it supplements with tiny invertebrates such as small ants, termites, and other soft-bodied insects. It will also consume seeds from agricultural grasses and spilled grain around fields.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tall seeding grasses, reed margins, and weedy fallows near water. Frequently uses the edges of rice paddies, irrigation ditches, and open savanna with scattered shrubs.
