Pink-throated Twinspot

The Pink-throated Twinspot, Hypargos margaritatus, presents itself as a small, seed-eating bird adorned with a striking plumage. This member of the Estrildidae family showcases a distinctive pink throat that gives rise to its common name.

Identification Tips

Upon encountering the Pink-throated Twinspot, one is immediately drawn to the male's vibrant pink throat, a feature that is complemented by its spotted flanks and underparts. The bird's overall appearance is a delightful spectacle, with these spots giving the impression of a constellation against the night sky.

Habitat

This species finds solace in the dry savanna as well as the moist, subtropical and tropical lowland shrubland. These habitats provide the Pink-throated Twinspot with the necessary environment for its lifestyle and feeding habits.

Distribution

The Pink-throated Twinspot graces the southeast African coast with its presence, with its range extending through Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini. It enjoys a large range, estimated to cover a global extent of occurrence of approximately 160,000 km².

Conservation status

BirdLife International has assessed the Pink-throated Twinspot as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This status reflects the bird's wide distribution and presumably stable population, indicating that, for now, the species does not face immediate threats of significant decline.