Nest site selection by the exotic chestnut mannikin (Lonchura malacca) in Puerto Rico

Chestnut mannikin, recently introduced in Puerto Rico, is a widespread Southeast Asian species. In its native habitat it frequently nests in vegetation over water, but in Puerto Rico it usually nests in dense sugar cane. In a march ecosystem in Humacao, mannikins nest in clumps of Cyperus spp. growing on top of stumps in a lagoon. Nests are in sedge clumps that are in shallower water and on higher stumps, and that are taller, wider and denser than clumps without mannikin nests. Nests were usually placed on the south side of the clump, with the entrance facing open water. The predator protection offered by nesting over water may account for nests being placed in relatively open sites. -Authors