yellow rumped mannikin

YELLOW- RUMPED MANNIKIN
LONCHURA FLAVIPRYMNA
GELE RIETVINK
CAPUCIN A CROUPION JAUNE
GILBNONNE

Last change:
04-11-2006 22:13

Photo taken by David Walter, EnviroWild

YELLOW RUMPS
ONE OF THE FORGOTTEN FEW

© John Williams
Co-ordinator Australian Finch Society RADS Plus Program

Without doubt the yellow-rumped finch is one of the most interesting, but at the same time one of the least known, of all Australian grass-finches. Gould wrote “A single specimen, and the only one I have ever seen of this pretty Finch, was presented to me by the late Mr Bynoe, who procured it on the banks of the Victoria River during the late surveying voyage of H.M.S Beagle. It is very nearly allied to the Donacola castaneothorax, but is specifically distinct from that as well as from every other known species of this numerous tribe of birds. I regret to add that nothing whatever is known of its habits or mode of life.’’

The situation of the yellow -rumped finch (Lonchura flaviprymna ) is still somewhat uncertain today, although I agree whole-heartedly with Gould’s sentiments and consider the yellow-rump a fascinating species, as are most manikins. They do however unfortunately suffer from the image of being the poor dull relation, to the more colourful of their Australian cousins; this has led almost to their demise from Aviculture which is a great shame.

Cock © John Williams

Although there is a large diversification in generic characteristics, generally speaking mannikins have short, thick beaks and heavier bodies than many of the smaller finches and waxbills. As a rule mannikins are not as brightly coloured as many of the more popular finches in aviculture. They are however usually hardy and easy to maintain in aviaries, and it is in aviaries that the yellow-rump is best suited, as they can become lethargic and bored in a cage leading to problems with being overweight. In an aviary they are lively and active birds especially if they are given the right conditions and plenty of twiggy branches .If one corner of the aviary can be planted with tall grass and reeds this will not only give the birds additional scope for climbing but also give them a chance to build their nests in a” natural” environment.

Because they rarely behave aggressively they can be kept in either single species or mixed groups, being in a group agrees with their sociable nature and allows them to pick their own mates ( as they can be very choosy). With a group when one pair comes into breeding condition this seems to act as a stimulus to the rest and encourage each others nest building instinct

Because of their tendency to interbreed .in the wild even to the extent of mixed colonies, the yellow-rump should not be housed with the Chestnut-Breasted Mannikin in captivity

I would recommend Yellow Rumps to anyone who likes a species that is active and has an enthralling character.

Pair of Yellow rumps © John Williams

LITTLE ADVERTISEMENTS
Only for Yellow Rumps

13.02.2005
Looking to swap some yellow rumps. - Daniël Wildemeersch - fa398872@skynet.be

Maybe your advertisement will be published here?

LINKS
Only about Yellow Rumps

http://www.birdworld.com.au/records/finches/yrman.html

http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/action/birds2000/pubs/yrmannikin.pdf

http://www.birdkeepinginaustralia.com/articles/article29.html

http://www.wittwer-wolfer.ch/ww/roland/voegel/Gilbnonne/index.htm

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/lonchura/page50.html