The Black-and-White Mannikin (Lonchura bicolor poensis) is a small, common African finch found in gardens in Kenya. It is also called the Black-and-White Munia.

The Black-and-White Mannikin has a black head, throat and chest. It is dark brown on its back, with barred black and white flight feathers, rump, sides, and upper tail-coverts. Its beak is blue-grey.

Black-and-White Mannikin

It can grow to 8.2 centimetres (3.25 inches) tall.

The Black-and-White Mannikin feeds on seeds, such as grass seeds.

They are social birds, living in a flock of 8-20 individuals. Their nests are ball-shaped. Females lay 4-8 white eggs, which hatch after 12 days. The chicks are independent after three weeks.

Black-and-White Mannikin

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM