Bird Gallery Index
Nutmeg Mannikin (immature plumage) image © Greg Lavaty. Photo taken at Cullinan Park.
Family: (Estrildidae) Estrildid Finches
Preferred Habitat: Grassy, weedy areas
Seasonal Occurrence: Permanent resident
Sighting Reports Request: Dan Brooks of the Houston Museum of Natural Science is conducting a study of exotic species in Texas: Egyptian Goose, Mute Swan, Monk Parakeet, Nutmeg Mannikin, Orange Bishop, Red-vented Bulbul. If you see any of the species mentioned above, please fill out a report form.
More information and report form.
Notes by
Fred Collins, Chair Citizen Science Committee: The Nutmeg Finch is also known as Scaly-breasted Munia or Spice Finch. They are native to Southeast Asia and have been
a popular cage bird for likely 100s of years. They are well established
in many places around the world. They were introduced into Hawaii in
1865. It is widespread on the east coast of Australia where in was
introduced around 1930. It has also been introduced to Japan, the United
States, Jamaica and into many islands in Polynesia. Currently these
finches are imported in large numbers and retail for $10 or less in the
Houston pet market. They likely wholesale from importers for $2-3 per
bird. Among some cultures that are well represented in the Houston area,
it is common practice to release finches at weddings and other
significant family events. Such activity and the low price these birds
command is likely the source of the birds we see. However, it is
possible that the source is more natural and may represent immigration
from locally established populations or even from Florida populations as
was the case for Eurasian Collared-Dove.
In the continental U.S. they are established at least in Florida and
California. In Texas they seem to be a recent addition to the avifauna
of the UTC. I have solicited reports of exotic species in the Houston
area on Texbirds and through other publications for a Houston Audubon
Society's Citizen Science Project, but have had minimal response.
Fortunately Cornell has adjusted their database so that this species can
now be entered through Texas eBird. There were several reports during the
Great Backyard Bird Count. If Texas birders would report sightings of
this species we can begin to understand its distribution and abundance.
In Southern California as in Houston it seems to have a propensity for
urban and agricultural environs and seems to prefer floodways and
detention ponds. In the Houston area, Harris County Flood Control and
other governmental agencies are building extensive detention basins
which often have cattail and vasey grass as dominate features. Other
governmental regulations now require any sizeable development (5 acres)
to build detention ponds. These are apparently ideal for the mannikin.
Too, at least in urban settings, there are few native bird species
utilizing these sites creating a "vacant niche" for the species to fill.
I think it is highly likely that this species will become widespread
within the next ten or twenty years. I have received reports from rural
areas in Orange and Waller Counties. The Waller County report was of
nest building. I would encourage all birders to watch for this species
and report it when found.
It is also worth mentioning that frequently the Orange Bishop, another exotic species is found in the same habitat. It too has been reported from numerous locations in the Houston area.
