Hawaii Bird Guide
Nutmeg Mannikin
Nutmeg mannikins move through Hawaii in busy little flocks, with chestnut throats, spotted-looking markings and a steady search for seeds.
Nutmeg Mannikin Overview
The nutmeg mannikin is common on all main Hawaiian Islands, from sea level to mountain areas. On the Big Island, it can also be found in alpine regions. Native to Southeast Asia, it was introduced to Hawaii around 1865 and is also called the spotted munia or ricebird.
Adult males and females look similar. They are brown with a chestnut-colored throat and a dark brown face. Their sides and breast are gray with dark accents, while the belly is whitish. They also have a dark bill and dark legs.
Flocks, Food and Nesting
Nutmeg mannikins feed on a variety of seeds and often stay together in large flocks. Their small size and group behavior make them easier to notice when several birds move through grass, shrubs or open feeding areas at once.
Nests are built in low trees or shrubs. Between three and four white eggs are produced each breeding season. For other familiar introduced birds in Hawaii, compare the house finch, northern cardinal and zebra dove.
