The Bronze Mannikin does not naturally occur in the Western Cape. Several years ago, someone released a group in Rondebosch, Cape Town, and these birds established a feral population. They were soon established in Kirstenbosch and now extend throughout the southern suburbs of Cape Town. None have been ringed in Cape Town (although many thousands in its natural range) until I decided to start targeting them. They regularly visit bird feeders in gardens, so can be caught without too much difficulty.
Bronze Mannikins have an extended moult season, sometimes showing irregular moult. However, nothing is known about the feral population in Cape Town, hence the start of a ringing project on this population.
Ten were caught and ringed with a SAFRING ring on the first session in Les Underhill’s garden. More have been caught in other gardens since.
Fact sheet:
Number ringed to date (SAFRING): 22935 [1948-2024]
Longevity: 3y 8m 10d
Trip report: n/a
Reason special: first to be ringed in the Western Cape
