Dusky Twinspot
NameDusky Twinspot
Common NameDusky Twinspot
Scientific NameMandingoa nitidula
FamilyEstrildidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)10.5
Weight (g)10
Plumage DetailsMales typically have a dark olive-green to blackish body with a red face mask and red spots on the flanks, though some subspecies or individuals can be very dark overall. Females are duller, often lacking or having reduced red, and are more olive-brown to dusky, with prominent white spots on the flanks. Both sexes have a pale, conical bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, high-pitched 'seep' or 'tsip' call. The song is a quiet, jumbled series of whistles and trills.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in sub-Saharan Africa, with a discontinuous distribution from West Africa across to East Africa and south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Dark, dusky plumage, Pale, conical bill, White spots on flanks, Short tail, Often red on face/flanks (males)
Description
The Dusky Twinspot is a small, shy finch typically found in dense undergrowth. It is characterized by its dark plumage, often olive-green to blackish, with distinctive white spots on its flanks and a pale, conical bill. These birds are often seen foraging quietly for seeds and small insects.
