Bronze Mannikin
Tiny Gregarious Species
Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullata) are gregarious seed-eaters gracing my garden with their presence. Arriving in a flurry about twenty to thirty with high-pitched chirping being a social species.
Breeding season they will pair up, monogamous couples, he will bring building material she does a hap-hazard ball shaped nest to hold 6 to 8 eggs where both will incubate, then share parenting duties.
Outside of breeding season communal nests are made, wherein six to eight will sleep together. These very small birds weighing only 10 g (less than half an ounce) are one of the smallest in South Africa. I find them extremely nervous when approached, when observing them flying in stand still, this offers me an opportunity to capture some photographs requiring a little zooming in.
Small patch on shoulder appears where the name came into being, winter they associate in small tightly-knit flocks. Bronze Mannikins will always keep close to fresh water on which they highly dependent on, will take small insects, petals and some fruits when not enjoying seed.
Least concern by IUCN range of species is much of Sub-Saharan Africa, some information sourced Bronze Mannikin
Perhaps one day I will see them land on the fresh Lemon-grass seed currently ready, blowing in the wind.
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Thought for Today: "A small house will hold a hundred friends." - African Proverb
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Your place is very safe to the birds.😊 Glad there are no bird shooters around.😊
Only farmers with seed would complain, not allowed to harm wildlife luckily.
It's a good policy to the wildlife.😊
Our purpose is to look after everything around us.
I discover it too.😊
Always something new to see outdoors when one looks.
I agree ma'am.😊 There's always new every day.
How beautiful your garden must be full of birds, I imagine the chirping of all the species that nest in your garden.
beautiful shots, appreciate you sharing with us
Have a wonderful weekend dear friend @joanstewart
We enjoy variety of visitors we have, have thick bushes for them to retreat into they are happy too.
Happy Sunday!
They are really small. They remind me of sparrows being that social.
Wonderful post! Always a pleasure to learn about your feathered friends.
Delightful to watch them fly as one, wait for the feeding tray to be empty of other birds, normally mid afternoon then swoop in for a bite to eat, always exciting to see them.
We used to see many bird species, always many Mannikins, but Poe has chased most of the garden birds!
Your photos are stunning Joan.
They still there, more than likely wait for garden to be clear of cat and human then quietly come down to eat. Some say you can tame them, I have never found that to happen they are skittish little ones.
I love how Bronze Mannikins form such close-knit groups and also share parenting duties.
When they fly through farm lands apparently the flock can number hundreds, we obviously have smaller flocks in residential areas.
wow they really can be a lot
Safety in numbers....
Absolutely good friend
What beautiful birds. They remind me of some I have seen in cartoons. Who knows, there are so many species. But I thought it was a nice touch to use several of the same nest in specific seasons. Regards @joanstewart
They always hold me spellbound watching them, perhaps it's the size that makes one realize everything is here for good purpose.
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Small birds that are pleasant to look at, especially when they are singing.
These little ones tend to chat continuously, lovely to watch them moving around together.
So tiny but I like their kind of brown color. They are very cute 😍
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Depending on how you capture the light on them they are stunning little birds.
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What a peculiar name for this bird, I didn't know this name "bronze mannikines" existed.
It's beautiful to see them all together, beautiful photographs
Was very excited to see them perched in the grass today now I know what attracts them with seeds growing naturally, not just on my feeder !LOLZ
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too cute! what adorable little critters!
Aren't they just!
First time Iam hearing about these birds and their history. Interesting! Thanks for this wonderful share.
Always enjoy watching the little ones take over.
Appreciate your interesr in this