The sudden revelation of a bird with strong physical attributes and mild hues of brown and grey surprised the onlookers when it flaunted its flashy orange-gold underbelly. This unexpected visitor is identified as the chestnut-breasted mannikin, making an entrance.
The chestnut-breasted mannikin, also known as the Ьᴜɩɩу bird or scientifically referred to as Lonchura castaneothorax, is a tiny bird species that boasts unique physical features. The bird has a black face and brown back, with a thick beak and a grey head and neck. Its chestnut breast is distinctively separated from its white underparts by a black band, and it also has a grey crown. Furthermore, its rump and tail feathers have a golden-orange hue, while the undertail is black.
If we observe the hues of male and female, it becomes apparent that males have an olive-brown shade on their upper section while being pale below. Moreover, they possess a brownish buff but no black face or chest hair. Conversely, females exhibit a lighter tone compared to their male counterparts.
However, the Chestnut-breasted Mannikin has expanded its living areas to France and French Polynesia. Typically, this type of bird can be found dwelling in areas with reed patches and overgrown weeds that are close to rivers, swamps, and mangroves. It tends to favor cereal crops and cane farms for food. Even during dry seasons, it is commonly spotted in desert terrain, but always in close proximity to a water source.
New observations in Papua New Guinea have revealed that birds with a preference for seeds have been spotted eating sugar cane, millet, and barley.
During their breeding season, these birds build their nests in close proximity to each other, usually within two meters from the ground, in grassy areas. The nests are spherical in shape and made of green or dry grass blades layered with finer grass. Both male and female birds work together to construct the nest and share responsibilities in incubating the eggs and feeding their young chicks. This species is not considered vulnerable according to the IUCN standards because they have a wide habitat range.
