The Streak-headed Mannikin Lonchura tristissima, also known as the Streak-headed Munia, and including the White-spotted Mannikin (L. t. leucosticta), is a small (10 cm in length) estrildid finch.

Identification

Mainly dark brown plumage with light streaking on head and yellowish rump; subspecies leucosticta also with white spotting on face, breast and upper wing-coverts.

Call

Short buzzing note, repeated in flight.

Distribution

Endemic to New Guinea and some adjacent islands. It has been recorded from Saibai Island, Queensland, Australian territory in north-western Torres Strait.

Habitat

Grassy fringes of streams, forest clearings and abandoned gardens with secondary growth, in lowland New Guinea up to 1,000 m altitude.

Food

Seeds, berries and insects.

Breeding

Globular grass nest with side entrance, often suspended from rattans, in forest or at forest edge.

Conservation

As a species with a large range and no evidence of population decline, it is assessed as being of Least Concern.