New Hanover mannikin

New Hanover mannikin is a species of estrildid finch breeding in New Hannover. 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. The status of Mottled mannikin is evaluated as Least Concern.

Loading map...

Distribution

Region

Bismarck Archipelago, Melanesia

Typical Environment

Occurs primarily in subtropical/tropical lowland dry grasslands, grassy clearings, and disturbed areas with ample seeding grasses. It also uses edges of secondary forest, village gardens, and fallow fields where grass seed is abundant. Birds often move through weedy patches and along track edges, perching on seed heads to feed. They may frequent agricultural margins outside intensive cultivation.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 600 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–11 cm

Wing Span15–18 cm

Male Weight0.012 kg

Female Weight0.011 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

The New Hanover mannikin is a small estrildid finch restricted to New Hanover (Lavongai) Island in Papua New Guinea. It has often been treated as a subspecies of the Mottled mannikin, but differs slightly in plumage and range. It favors open grassy areas and often forms small, chattering flocks. As an island endemic, it can be sensitive to habitat changes, especially the loss of natural grasslands.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually encountered in pairs or small flocks that forage together and keep contact with soft calls. Nests are dome-shaped structures woven from grass, placed low in dense vegetation or shrubs. Pairs may breed in loose colonies where suitable cover and food are concentrated.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Soft, thin twittering phrases interspersed with dry chips. The song is simple and repetitive, used for pair contact and within small flocks.

Unlock detailed bird insights with Pro access today.

Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

New Ireland boobook

The New Ireland boobook or New Ireland hawk owl also known as the Bismarck boobook, Bismarck hawk owl or barred boobook, is a small to medium-sized owl measuring 25 to 30 cm in length. It is a dark rufous-brown above, with barred scapular feathers and variable amounts of spotting or barring on the wings and tail. Its underparts are whitish, with an unmarked pale throat, a dark barred upper breast and barring on the remainder of the underparts. Its face is dark brown, its eyes are brown or yellow, and its bill and legs are yellow. It is short-tailed and has heavy tarsi.

New Zealand bellbird

The New Zealand bellbird, also known by its Māori language names korimako, makomako and kōmako, is a medium-sized species of honeyeater endemic to New Zealand. It has been the only living member of the genus Anthornis since the Chatham bellbird went extinct in the early 20th century. The bellbird's closest living relative is the only other New Zealand honeyeater, the tūī. The bellbird forms a significant component of the famed New Zealand dawn chorus of birdsong, which was much noted by early European settlers. Exceptional singing abilities were already observed by Captain James Cook, who described its song as "like small bells most exquisitely tuned".

New Zealand falcon

The New Zealand falcon is New Zealand's only falcon, and one of only four living native and two endemic birds of prey. It is frequently mistaken for the larger and more common swamp harrier. It is the country's most threatened bird of prey, with only around 5000–15000 individuals remaining. Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System the falcon is stable at Threatened, with conservation research needed. The kārearea was voted Bird of the Year winner in the annual Forest & Bird competition in 2012 and again in 2025.

New Zealand fantail

The New Zealand fantail is a small insectivorous bird, the only species of fantail in New Zealand. It has four subspecies: R. f. fuliginosa in the South Island, R. f. placabilis in the North Island, R. f. penita in the Chatham Islands, and the now-extinct R. f. cervina formerly on Lord Howe Island. It is also known by its Māori names, pīwakawaka, tīwakawaka or piwaiwaka, and the Chatham Island subspecies by the Moriori name tchitake; the common pied morph is also known as pied fantail, and the uncommon dark morph is also known as black fantail. The species has been considered by many to be conspecific as the grey fantail of Australia and New Caledonia; however, due to significant differences in its calls, many authorities now treat it as a separate species.