The magpie mannikin or magpie munia is a species of estrildid finch, sparsely present across Sub-Saharan Africa. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 1,400,000 km2.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across sub-Saharan Africa, with concentrations in moist grasslands, reedbeds, and edges of cultivation. It is most often found near water, including marshes, river floodplains, and dam margins. The species also uses tall rank grass in savanna mosaics and overgrown fields. Local movements track the availability of seeding grasses, leading to irregular presence at some sites.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The magpie mannikin, also called the magpie munia, is a striking black-and-white estrildid finch found in scattered parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It favors tall grasses and wetlands and often forms small flocks that move locally in search of seeding grasses. Its bold, magpie-like contrast makes it easier to identify than many other mannikins. Despite patchy occurrence, it is broadly distributed and currently not considered threatened.
At San Diego Zoo
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small flocks or loose groups, especially outside the breeding season. Builds a globular grass nest concealed in dense vegetation, sometimes near water. Both parents typically participate in nesting duties and brood care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, high-pitched twittering with short trills and contact chips. Vocalizations are gentle and conversational, used to maintain group cohesion while foraging.
Plumage
Boldly contrasting pattern with a dark head and breast set against clean whitish underparts, and darker upperparts with a black tail.
Diet
Primarily consumes small grass and sedge seeds, plucked directly from seed heads or gleaned from the ground. It may visit cultivated areas to take spilled grain. During the breeding season, it occasionally supplements with small invertebrates to feed nestlings. Its stout bill is well adapted for husking tiny seeds efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in tall grass stands, reedbeds, wet meadows, and along the margins of wetlands. Also forages in fallow fields and the edges of croplands where grasses are abundant. Often feeds in small groups, moving through seeding patches methodically.
