Mottled mannikin or mottled munia is a species of estrildid finch breeding in New Ireland. This species is also introduced to Pohnpei. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 20,000 to 50,000 km2. It is found in subtropical/ tropical (lowland) dry grassland habitat. The New Hanover mannikin has sometimes been treated as a subspecies of mottled mannikin with the name Hunstein's mannikin for the combined taxa. The status of mottled mannikin is evaluated as Least Concern. The males are similarly colored to the extinct Hawaiian ʻUla ʻAi Hāwane, a Hawaiian honeycreeper.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago (with introductions in Micronesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in lowland open areas on New Ireland, including dry grasslands, village edges, plantations, and secondary scrub. It utilizes weedy roadsides and fallow fields where grasses and sedges seed profusely. The species avoids the interior of dense primary forest but uses forest edge and clearings. It has been introduced and is established on Pohnpei, where it occupies similar open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The mottled mannikin (also called mottled munia) is a small estrildid finch native to New Ireland in Papua New Guinea and has been introduced to Pohnpei in Micronesia. It favors weedy grasslands and cultivated edges where seeding grasses are abundant. Taxonomy has been debated; the New Hanover mannikin has sometimes been treated as conspecific, with the combined form known as Hunstein’s mannikin. Despite its restricted native range, it is assessed as Least Concern due to stable populations in suitable habitats.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in small to medium flocks, especially outside the breeding season, often mixed-age groups feeding in seeding grasses. Pairs are monogamous and build a globular grass nest low in shrubs or in dense clumps of vegetation. They roost communally and may nest semi-colonially where food is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin twittering with dry ticking notes typical of munias. Males give a simple, buzzy trill interspersed with chips during display. Calls are quiet and contact-oriented, aiding cohesion in flocks.
