Funky Bird Cages

Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves, characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton.

Magpie Mannikin

Magpie Mannikin

Scientific Name: Amaurestbes fringillid

Origin: South Africa and West Africa

This attractive large mannikin is very hardy and can remain outside all year round. It should be housed with larger birds or those who are aggressive and able to defend themselves since it can be quarrelsome and has a heavy beak that can inflict injuries. A well-snatched pair of Magpie Mannikins with similar markings often do well on the show bench.

Description:

Size: 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in)

COCK:

Male Magpie Mannikins (Spermestes fringillid), like many other bird species, are referred to as cocks or cocks birds. The male Magpie Mannikin can be distinguished from the female by its slightly larger size, more colorful plumage, and larger bill. The male has a reddish or yellowish wash on its breast, while the female has a more uniform black and white plumage. During the breeding season, the male may also display to the female by fluffing up his feathers and hopping around her, as a way to attract her attention and signal his readiness to breed.

Diet: (Seedeater)

Magpie MannikinYes, the Magpie Mannikin (Spermestes fringillid) is primarily a seedeater. In the wild, it feeds on a variety of grass seeds and other small seeds, as well as insects and their larvae. In captivity, it is important to provide a varied diet that includes a mix of high-quality seed mixes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some insects, such as mealworms.

A good quality commercial seed mix for finches or canaries should form the basis of Magpie Mannikin’s diet. This should be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as chopped carrots, spinach, and apple, which provide important vitamins and minerals. Insects, such as mealworms, can be offered as a treat a few times a week to provide additional protein.

It’s important to provide fresh food and water daily and to remove any uneaten food to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth. Additionally, the Magpie Mannikin will benefit from a variety of toys and perches in its cage to help stimulate its natural behaviors and prevent boredom.

Magpie Mannikin Breeding

Magpie MannikinMagpie Mannikins (Spermestes fringillid) can be bred in captivity with proper care and attention. Here are some general tips on breeding Magpie Mannikins:
  1. Pairing: Magpie Mannikins should be kept in pairs, preferably one male and one female, and provided with a spacious breeding cage or aviary with plenty of nesting materials, such as grass, feathers, and coconut fibers.
  2. Diet: A nutritious and varied diet is essential for successful breeding. The birds should be provided with a high-quality seed mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, and some insects to ensure they are getting all the necessary nutrients to breed.
  3. Environment: The breeding environment should be comfortable and conducive to breeding. The temperature should be maintained between 70-80°F, and the birds should be provided with plenty of nesting materials, including nesting boxes or baskets.
  4. Breeding Behavior: Magpie Mannikins typically breed in the spring and summer. The male will display to the female by fluffing up his feathers and hopping around her. Once the female is receptive, they will begin to build a nest together.
  5. Incubation: The female will lay 4-6 eggs, which she will incubate for about 12-14 days. The eggs will hatch, and the chicks will fledge the nest after 3-4 weeks.
  6. Chick Rearing: Once the chicks hatch, the parents will take turns feeding them. It’s important to provide plenty of food and water during this time, as the chicks will grow rapidly.

Overall, breeding Magpie Mannikins requires patience, attention to detail, and a good understanding of their natural behaviors and needs. With proper care, Magpie Mannikins can be bred successfully in captivity.

Information on Magpie Mannikin

The Magpie Mannikin (Spermestes fringillid) is a small bird species belonging to the family Estrildidae, commonly known as waxbills or munias. It is found in central and eastern Africa, primarily in Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

The Magpie Mannikin is named for its black and white plumage, which resembles that of the Magpie. It has a black head, neck, and upper body, with a distinctive white belly, rump, and wings. The male and female look similar, but the male has a slightly larger bill and is generally more colorful, with a reddish or yellowish wash on its breast.

In the wild, Magpie Mannikins are social birds and are often found in small flocks. They feed primarily on grass seeds and insects and are typically found in grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas.

In captivity, Magpie Mannikins are popular pets due to their striking appearance and active, curious personalities. They require a spacious cage with plenty of perches, toys, and a variety of seeds and fresh foods. They also need daily interaction and attention from their owners to remain healthy and happy. It’s important to note that they are best kept in pairs or small groups, and may not get along with other species of birds. For pet owners, the following information on Magpie Mannikin may help in bird care.

  • The bird is essentially a perching breed. So, introduce some swinging perches in the cage where you would be keeping the bird as a pet.
  • You should develop the art of training birds. As this breed of bird is a messy eater and would make the cage untidy after every meal. So, tame them to eat properly and also keep the cage in a place where it would be easy for you to clean the cage regularly.
  • You are required to be patient enough to observe the activities of the bird and then develop a bonding in between you two.
  • Keep your bird in a cage that is spacious as this breed spends most of the time inside the cage. The width of the cage is more important than the height. The bars must be spaced at proper intervals so that the bird may not escape outside. The cage must also be zinc and lead-free.

The bird is of a rare breed and the trading of the bird is controlled by export regulations. Proper care should be given to the well-being of the pet. This species is highly sensitive to the emission of toxic fumes like cigarette smoking, aerosols, and gas coming out of harsh cleansing agents as they develop severe respiratory problems when exposed to them.

See more: Diamond Sparrow