Unexpectedly, a surprisingly strong and majestic avian creature, adorned with a charming blend of soft brown and grey hues, surprised everyone with its sudden revelation of a brilliant undertail shimmering in a striking hue of orange-gold. In front of our very eyes appeared the magnificent chestnut-breasted mannikin, gracing us with its presence.
The delightful chestnut-breasted mannikin, sometimes nicknamed the bully bird or scientifically known as Lonchura castaneothorax, is a petite avian companion adorned with a captivating combination of features. Sporting a jet-black face and a rich brown back, it truly stands out. Its stout beak, accompanied by its distinguished gray head and graceful neck, further accentuate its unique charm. The striking contrast between its chestnut breast, distinctly separated from its pristine white underparts by a sleek black band, is truly eye-catching. To top it off, this charming creature boasts a regal gray crown, while its rear end and tail shimmer with a splendid golden-orange hue. Completing its enchanting allure, it flaunts a sophisticated black undertail.
When contrasting the hues of males and females, it becomes evident that the male counterparts typically possess an upper body shade resembling olive-brown with a fainter color below. They also exhibit a tinge of brown buff, but lack the distinctive black facial features and chest bars. Conversely, the females boast a softer tone in comparison to their male counterparts.
However, the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin has expanded its range to include France and French Polynesia. Typically, this particular avian species is commonly encountered in reed patches and areas with abundant weeds near rivers, swamps, and mangroves. It also displays a fondness for cereal crops and cane farms. While it is often observed in arid landscapes during the dry season, it consistently stays near a reliable water source.
In Papua New Guinea, a fascinating observation has been made regarding birds that possess a special fondness for seeds. These avian creatures have been seen delighting in the delectable treats of wild sugar cane, millet, and barley.
In the mating season, these bird species build their nests near each other, usually around two meters above the ground, in areas with grass. The nests have a round shape and are made of green or dried grass, with a layer of finer grass on top. Both the male and female actively participate in nest-building and take turns in caring for the eggs and feeding their newly hatched offspring. Because they have a wide range of habitats, this particular species does not meet the criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to be considered as a Vulnerable species.
