s.california bird ID (1 Viewer)

[Bubo]

I'm sans my ID books/ guide book, trying to ID these birds - first time I've ever seen these neat looking birds, sure wonder what they may be. Hoping someone will recognize. They seem to have a pretty good sized beak, and the breast pattern is really cool. A quick look at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center's website hasn't nailed it (http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/id/framlst/infocenter.html). Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[Warbler]

Looks to be some Nutmeg Mannikins.

 

[Bubo]

Thank you for the response Warbler. I can't seem to find out too much info on mannikins, especially any photos. They appear to be introduced. Any one know where I may find more info on these birds?

 

[Michael Frankis]

Look most like Spotted Munia (Lonchura punctulata) to me, a species from southern Asia popular as a cagebird.

More info in: Clement, Harris & Davis, Finches and Sparrows. Helm 1993 ISBN 0-7136-8017-2 (that's the book I used to identify them)

Michael

 

[KC Foggin]

Okay Michael, now you need to teach me something. A search in the database of the latin name you give brings up Scaly-breasted Munia, which incidentally looks remarkably like the image here. Are they one and the same?

 

[Michael Frankis]

Just noticed in Sibley (p. 537) - Nutmeg Mannikin is the same species as Spotted Munia, just an alternative name; and that there's an escaped population breeding wild in Calif

Michael

 

[Bubo]

much obliged Michael and KCFoggin, and Michael thank you for the info and reference.

 

[KC Foggin]

Well is Scaley-breasted the right name for the database then? That name is not mentioned at all in Sibley's. Ya know, it's kind of nice to be on the other side of the pond and be able to reach for the same book you are consulting

 

[Bubo]

In my recent searches on the matter, I've come across common names of; Nutmeg Finch, Scaly-breasted munia, spotted munia & Spice Finch for Lonchura punctulata - thankfully someone decided to go w/ genus species latin names awhile back!

http://www.efinch.com/species/spice.htm

 

[cuckooroller]

Well is Scaley-breasted the right name for the database then? That name is not mentioned at all in Sibley's. Ya know, it's kind of nice to be on the other side of the pond and be able to reach for the same book you are consulting

KC,
The database uses the Sibley-Monroe which calls it Scaly-breasted Munia. Unfortunately, and in particular with certain extremely popular small cage birds like this one, a great number of Common names are coined. The Howard & Moore calls it in the same way as the Sibley-Monroe, but, the Clement's uses the common name of Nutmeg Mannikin. That's all we need are more escapees in California to muck things up. Originally, they are from the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

 

[KC Foggin]

Okay, thanks for the clarification Steve. It is much appreciated