Yellow-rumped Mannikin

DISTRIBUTION:

Yellow-rumped Mannikin.

Distribution Map

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 100 mm

ADULTS: Sexes similar. Crown dull grey; back and wings cinnamon -brown; rump, upper tail-coverts and central tail-feathers golden strew-coloured; edges of tail-feathers brown. Face and underparts cream-buff; breast washed fawn; undertail-coverts black. Eye dark brown; bill and legs blue-grey.

IMMATURES: Rump dirty-yellow; back and throat dark brown; underparts buff-grey.

NESTING. 

Breeds January-March. Nest compressed at sides; no entrance tunnel; 130 mm long, 120 mm high and 90 mm wide; of dry blades of grass, lined with fine grass stems; sited in tussocks of grass and reeds. Eggs: four or five; white; 17 X 12 mm.

FORMS. 

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: I have found that these birds will nest almost anywhere although they will usually prefer a nest box including parrot nest boxes rather than build a nest of their own. I have seen these birds build nests in tea tree branches and planted trees but very rarely. Best results have been from boxes 150 mm square X 125 mm high with a 40 mm access hole in the front and a small landing platform just below the entrance. (See the Plans page for more information) 

FEEDING: A general finch mix is ideal for this bird. Birds will also readily take seeding grasses and live food. However I have had seen these birds breed successfully with just a mixed seed diet. Egg and biscuit will also be taken readily. 

OTHER FEEDS: Cuttlebone and shell grit should be supplied at all times.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: There are no special requirements for this species. However care should be taken not to house this species with the Masked Finch or the Long-tailed Finch or any of the subspecies.

These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.