The Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata is a small passerine bird widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. In South Africa the core of their range is in the east from KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo Province. The closest natural, regular occurrence to Cape Town is St Francis Bay (SABAP2).
Bronze Mannikins bathing in Keurboom Park
However, in 2015 some were released in Rondebosch and these birds established a freely breeding population. They were reported from Rondebosch, and soon also from Kirstenbosch. Eight years later this species is numerous from Observatory to Kirstenbosch to Wynberg to Athlone. There are already sightings from outside this core range, and its range expansion is expected to continue.
Bronze Mannikin nest in Cape Teak tree in Kirstenbosch
They are seen in small or large flocks. They regularly visit bird feeders, and feed mainly on small seeds. In the Constantia greenbelt they feed on grass seeds, sometimes with Swee Waxbills.
Bronze Mannikins feeding on grass seeds in Keurboom Park
Bird ringing project
The moult of the Bronze Mannikin appears to be prolonged and sometimes irregular, compared to many other passerines in mesic areas that have moult progressing from Primary 1 to 10 in sequence.
Bronze Mannikin showing active primary moult in June, long after other passerines in Cape Town have completed moult
To study these invasive Bronze Mannikins in Cape Town, a ringing project has been started on this species. Every bird caught will contribute data to the moult study. Recaptures may provide data on movements. Proportion of juveniles caught can provide data on extent and timing of breeding.
