Bird Watching: Nutmeg Mannikins in Texas

Forum: Bird Watching Replies: 7, Views: 79 Print -

Author Content cshirsch Sugar Land, TX October 22, 2009 09:21 PM Post #7198880 Here are some of the family of Nutmeg Mannikins that live in my neighborhood near Houston, TX. They are very small but fine looking birds. These came into my feeder today. Chris Click the image for an enlarged view. gardenpom Melbourne, FL (Zone 9b) October 22, 2009 09:36 PM Post #7198950 They are such beautiful little birds. You are very lucky! cpartschick Gladwin, MI (Zone 5a) October 23, 2009 06:53 AM Post #7199734 Aren't they just the cutest thing. How wonderful that we can see birds here that we will never otherwise see. Thanks for sharing. pelletory Marlton, NJ October 23, 2009 07:55 AM Post #7199821 They are sweet. Nice shot Chris! What is their personality like and how do they act around other small birds at the feeder? cshirsch Sugar Land, TX October 23, 2009 09:40 AM Post #7200053 They pretty much act like any other of the smaller birds and they mingle with sparrows and dove. I have yet to catch a good shot of one in flight but I will keep trying. ducbucln Kelseyville, CA (Zone 8b) October 24, 2009 01:43 PM Post #7203775 Your birds are so cute and colorful. I don't recall ever seeing a photo of them. Grasmussen Anchorage, AK (Zone 4a) October 25, 2009 03:00 AM Post #7205947 The Nutmeg Mannikin (Lonchura punctulata) is native to SE Asia, from India to the Philippines. Nutmeg Mannikin are usually found in small flocks on open grassy areas, of lawns and parks.The Nutmeg Mannikin is a tiny, dark brown, Estrildid Finch with a black bill, some times found in the caged bird trade. Mannikin in Texas would be escaped or released caged birds. They were introduced to Hawaii in 1865, are now common there. reddirtretiree Norman, OK October 25, 2009 07:51 AM Post #7206116 Beautiful little birds and a rare sighting. Sibley's only mentions small populations in CA and FL. You should submit a sighting on eBird so the Texas population will be on record.

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