Funky Bird Cages

Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves, characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweight skeleton.

Peter Twinspot

Peter Twinspot

Peter TwinspotPeter Twinspot is a small, colorful bird that belongs to the finch family. Its scientific name is Hypargos niveoguttatus, and it is also known by other common names such as African Twinspot, Peter’s Twinspot, and Guinea Twinspot.

The Peter Twinspot is native to Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. It has a distinctive appearance, with the males having a bright red patch on their throat, a black cap, white spots on their wings and tail, and a brownish-red body. The females have a more muted coloration, with a brownish-gray body and white spots on their wings and tail.

These birds typically inhabit savannahs, woodlands, and grasslands, and can be found in small flocks or pairs. They feed on a variety of seeds and fruits. The Peter Twinspot is a popular species among bird enthusiasts due to its attractive plumage and pleasant song.

Scientific Name: Hypargos niveoguttatus

Origin: East Africa

This attractive bird requires careful acclimatization and it should always be considered rather delicate, even when firmly established.  

Description:

Size: 13 cm (5 in)

COCK:

Head: brownish-grey. Back: reddish-brown. Neck, sides of the head, and chin: bright red. Upper parts: black with white spots on flanks. Wings: dark brown. Tail: black and red. Beak: black. Legs: cream to grey.

HEN:

Much less red on the head, generally paler colored, and with fewer white spots.

Diet: (Seedeater)

A varied diet is necessary. Mixed millets, plain canary seed, spray millet, and sonic live food, including chopped mealworms, fresh ants’ eggs, and a little green food, form the basic diet. Germinated seed and grass seed are relished. In cold weather and while breeding, stale white bread soaked in milk, egg food, and a little cod liver oil help to keep this bird in good condition. Fruit is also enjoyed particularly oranges. Grit and cuttlefish bone are essential.

Breeding:

Peter TwinspotThe display of the cock bird before breeding is similar to that of the Green Twinspot. A pair usually constructs a nest in bushes a little off the ground. Box and dwarf conifers are favored nesting sites. Nest boxes may be provided, although they make their nests quite successfully using grasses and other materials. A narrow entrance passage is constructed.

During the breeding season, the cock chases other birds away from the nest site, but otherwise, he is peaceful. The young hatch in 13 days and fledge in a further three weeks. The young should be fed chopped mealworms, egg food, soaked bread, and germinated seed for quite some time. They should not be expected to thrive on hard seed alone for several months after leaving the nest.

Ariary Tips

  • This specie of bird is considered to be one of the delicate species of finches. Proper care has to be taken for caging and transportation of the bird.
  • The birds should be kept in well-planted aviaries.
  • To lessen the extent of aggression among pairs, you are recommended to keep the pair of birds separately. Keep a single pair in one aviary.

Peter Twinspot Information

  • Peter Twinspot, also known as African Twinspot or Peter’s Twinspot, is a small passerine bird belonging to the family Estrildidae. Its scientific name is Hypargos niveoguttatus. Here is some information about Peter Twinspot:Physical Characteristics:
    • The male Peter Twinspot has a red patch on its throat, a black cap, white spots on its wings and tail, and a brownish-red body.
    • The female Peter Twinspot has a brownish-gray body with white spots on its wings and tail.
    • Both males and females have a conical bill, dark eyes, and short legs.

    Habitat:

    • Peter Twinspot is found in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa.
    • It inhabits savannahs, grasslands, and woodlands.

    Diet:

    • The Peter Twinspot feeds mainly on seeds and insects.
    • It also eats some fruits.

    Behavior:

    • The Peter Twinspot is usually seen in pairs or small flocks.
    • Its flight is described as undulating, and it spends most of its time on the ground or low in vegetation.
    • It has a pleasant, melodious song that consists of a series of whistling notes.

    Conservation Status:

    • The Peter Twinspot is not currently listed as a threatened species.
    • However, like many other bird species, it is at risk of habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as deforestation and agriculture.

    Overall, the Peter Twinspot is a colorful and charming bird that is popular among birdwatchers and aviculturists.

You are required to initiate and provide a great deal of care if you have the repair pair the bird with a new mate.

See more: Pileated Jay