bronze mannikin Spermestes cucullata

A tiny gregarious species of savannahs, weedy fields, scrub, and agricultural lands; often found in flocks of dozens to hundreds. Note the adult’s glossy black head, bronzy-brown back, barred rump and vent, and bicolored black and blue-gray bill. Juveniles are uniformly dull brown with a dark bill and are almost always in the company of adults. Vocalizations include a quick squeaky “djip” or “djup” sometimes given as a rapid twitter.