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Location: Maui, Hawaii
Date: 2005-07-13
Lens: Canon 300mm IS F4 + 1.4x II Converter

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Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata


Description

The Nutmeg Mannikin is a social bird that is often found feeding in large groups. Feeds on seeds of grass and weeds in open grassy areas. Also known as Ricebird or Spotted Munia.



Appearance

Brown upperparts. Chestnut brown throat. Dark brown face and forehead. Whitish-buff underparts. Breast and flanks marked with dark brown crescents. Dark bill and legs. Immature is lighter brown with buff underparts. Sexes similar. 4 inches in length.



Habitat

Open grassy areas. Native to Southeast Asia. Introduced to Hawaii in around 1865.



Nesting

3-4 whitish eggs. The eggs have a ? day incubation period. Fledging occurs in ? days. The nest is domed and made from grass, plant stems, coconut fiber, and lined with softer material, such as moss and feathers.






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