ebirdMadagascar Mannikin (Lepidopygia nana) – This clever little seed-eater from Madagascar brings lively energy to the ornithological garden at the Au Bois Vert hotel!
What does it look like?
The Madagascar Mannikin is recognizable by its olive-brown plumage on the back, beige belly with pinkish highlights, and a small black bib under its chin. Its bicolored beak—black on the upper part and light gray underneath—reflects its granivorous diet, typical of birds with slender beaks.
Its song or cry
In the ornithological garden, it emits sharp notes: “tsirrip,” “pisit,” sometimes in chorus. Its song, a faint and repeated murmur, resembles a gentle splashing sound.
An anecdote or fun fact
The mannikins engage in a courtship dance: the male waddles with a beak full of grass, legs bent, while the female, her tail trembling, encourages him. A magnificent display not to be missed.
Where and when to see it in our garden?
It can be seen at dawn, in small groups wandering between the restaurant and the lodge, or near the flowerbeds. Visible all year round, but more active during the dry season.
Why does he love our garden?
The Madagascar Mannikin, Lepidopygia nana, loves the seeds scattered throughout the botanical garden, the wild grasses around the lodge, and the well-protected open spaces — a true buffet for them.
Tips for observing it
To observe the Madagascar Mannikin, settle quietly near low vegetation, preferably early in the morning or late in the day. Compact binoculars are more than enough to get a good view—there’s no need to bring a long telephoto lens. Keep your distance, especially near the hotel and behind the restaurant, to avoid disturbing it.
