Black-and-white (Red-backed) Mannikin
Lonchura nigriceps
Dune forests, bushveld. Black head and breast; rufous upperparts; white bill and underparts.
Finches, Mannikins, Twinspots, Waxbills
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Fairly common resident. Differs from [Bronze Mannikin] in red-brown upper parts and more extensive area of black over the sides of head and breast; bill uniformly blue-grey; and broader barring on flanks. Immature is duller. Utters a clear whistling note in flight. Small flocks occur in open bushveld and coastal dune forests, feeding on the seeds of grasses. Previously Ssp nigticeps or Red-backed Mannikin seen as a sperate species to Ssp bicolor now lumped together despite noticeable colour variation
Quick Facts
Size
9.5-10 cm - S
Names
A: Rooirugfret
Z: amadojeyanabomvu
G: Glanzelsterchen
Bird Family
Small, conical-billed, ground- or grass-feeding seed-eaters, although some will also eat insects. They usually have colourful plumage, although females are usually more drab than males. They generally occur in pairs, or are gregarious when not breeding.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
