Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Genus Lonchura Higher classification Munia | Phylum Chordata Family Estrildidae Scientific name Lonchura tristissima Rank Species | |
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Similar Hooded mannikin, Black‑breasted mannikin, Great‑billed mannikin, Grey‑banded mannikin, Grey‑headed mannikin | ||
The streak-headed mannikin (Lonchura tristissima) also known as the streak-headed munia, and including the white-spotted mannikin (L. t. leucosticta), is a small (10 cm (3.9 in) in length) estrildid finch. Some taxonomists consider ssp. leucosticta a distinct species.
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Identification
Mainly dark brown plumage with light streaking on head and yellowish rump; subspecies leucosticta also with white spotting on face, breast and upper wing-coverts.
Call
Short buzzing note, repeated in flight.
Distribution
Endemic to New Guinea and some adjacent islands. It has been recorded from Saibai Island, Queensland, Australian territory in north-western Torres Strait.
Habitat
Grassy fringes of streams, forest clearings and abandoned gardens with secondary growth, in lowland New Guinea up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude.
Food
Seeds, berries and insects.
Breeding
Globular grass nest with side entrance, often suspended from rattans, in forest or at forest edge.
Conservation
As a species with a large range and no evidence of population decline, it is assessed as being of Least Concern.