Green Twinspot
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

The green-backed twinspot or green twinspot (''Mandingoa nitidula'') is an
estrildid finch Estrildidae, or estrildid finches, is a family (taxonomy), family of small seed-eating passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They comprise species commonly known as munias, mannikins, firefinches, parrotfinches and waxbills. ...
found in many parts of
Sub-Saharan Africa Sub-Saharan Africa is the area and regions of the continent of Africa that lie south of the Sahara. These include Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa. Geopolitically, in addition to the list of sovereign states and ...
. The
IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Founded in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status ...
has classified the species as being of
least concern A least-concern species is a species that has been evaluated and categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as not being a focus of wildlife conservation because the specific species is still plentiful in the wil ...
.


Subspecies

The green-backed twinspot has four sub-species: * ''Mandingoa nitidula chubbi'' * ''Mandingoa nitidula nitidula'' * ''Mandingoa nitidula schlegeli'' * ''Mandingoa nitidula virginiae''


Habitat

The green-backed twinspot inhabits lowland moist forests of the tropical region. It may also be found in grassland and shrubland habitats. Males are distinguished from females by their bright red facial feathers. Females have an olive-green face and darker (almost black) beak.


Aviculture

The green backed twinspot prefers its privacy in regards to breeding. Males in the breeding season will raise their heads, looking straight up while "dancing" on the perch next to the female, moving in a side-stepping fashion. The female, if receptive, will crouch down and point her tail to the male. Green backed twinspots tend to pair with one female and care for her and the young while breeding. Up to four eggs are laid about five days after mating, usually one daily. The female will go in and out of the nest frequently until all eggs are laid and will sit in place to incubate thereafter, ensuring all hatch in relatively close proximity. This species enjoys a large, planted aviary with plenty of privacy for breeding. Temperatures in captivity should not dip below 70 °F or exceed 84 °F. Green back twinspots may be housed as single pairs, singles, or in groups up to four pairs in a large flight. The birds eat millet, dark leafy greens, fresh bananas, cooked brown rice and mixed finch seed.


References


External links


Avibase



External links

* Green-backed twinspot
Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds
green-backed twinspot Birds of Sub-Saharan Africa green-backed twinspot {{Estrildidae-stub