This book covers 43 species of munias and mannikins. Munias are widespread throughout the Old World's tropical regions. In their natural habitat, they are birds of the savanna, but they have adapted to a number of different habitats, including areas inhabited by humans. They range in size from the Java sparrow (which is about the size of a common starling) to the diminutive Madagascar mannikin. Their striking plumage makes them popular as cagebirds and they breed readily in captivity. The author has recently described one new species and ten new subspecies to science.

Robin Restall is author and illustrator of several titles on the birds of South America, including the acclaimed Birds of Northern South America (Helm, 2006), and was also author of Munias and Mannikins (Pica Press, 1996).

Introduction
Acknowledgements

Taxonomy and relationships
Natural history of munias and mannikins
Colour plates (1-16)

Systematic selection

Measured drawings (17-80)

Bibliography