Birding

Pictorella Mannikins

July 23, 2017 by Clare M No Comments

Pictorella Mannikins-Heteromunia pectoralis-are a very small bird that inhabits the northern part of Australia and likes tall grass! The tendency for them to be found in tall grass is problematic when it comes to photographing them, but thankfully as seed eaters they need to drink a lot of water. Having found a good place to observe them about forty kilometres from Fitzroy Crossing heading towards Halls Creek a few years ago we have been able to obtain a few photos at the remaining water not far from Outcamp Creek. They were in loose association with Zebra Finch and were constantly nipping back and forth to the last remaining water to drink and bathe. The male Pictorella Mannikin has a very dark head, while the female and young birds are quite dull. Of note are the legs are pink when other mannikins have dark coloured legs.

Pictorella Mannikins and Zebra Finch

Although the size in field guides is listed as ten centimetres for Zebra Finch and eleven to eleven and a half centimetres for Pictorella Mannikins they do look significantly larger in the field. They were happily bathing together in the muddy water.

Pictorella Mannikin and two Zebra Finch

Zebra Finch and Pictorella Mannikins

We were sitting watching the activity at the water when I was able to take advantage of the Black-faced Woodswallows in the area and then a male Pictorella Mannikin landed closer to me in a prickly acacia bush. The vegetation was a challenge, but you can clearly see in the following photos the beautiful plumage of this small bird. The black face of the male Pictorella Mannikin is separated from the rest of the body by white scalloped feathers followed by a pinkish colouring below.

Male Pictorella Mannikin among the prickles!

We have occasionally seen Pictorella Mannikins in the Broome area, but generally you do need to travel further north to this area or beyond to find them. It is a fine example of how “brown birds” can be rather beautiful! Of course there are also the Chestnut-breasted Mannikins to look out for as you travel north as well.

Written by Clare M

Clare and her husband, Grant, have lived permanently in Broome, Western Australia since 1999 after living in various outback locations around Western Australia and Darwin. She has lived in the Middle East and the United States and traveled extensively in Europe. She monitors Pied Oystercatchers breeding along a 23km stretch of Broome's coastline by bicycle and on foot. She chooses not to participate in social media, but rather wander off into the bush for peace and tranquility. Thankfully she can write posts in advance and get away from technology!