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After a weekend at Mkhuze Game Reserve I can add among others another spp to the Bird Index.
Pink-throated Twinspot Hypargos margaritatus
Habitat: They prefer the thornveld and coastal thickets in KZN, and I’ve especially seen them many times in sand forest. It is drier conditions than where we found Red-throated Twinspot.
Male:
Upper parts are brown.
Face, throat, upper breast and rump have a deep pinkish wash.
Belly and under tail coverts are black with white to pinkish spots on belly and flanks.
Female:
Upper parts have a lighter brown than male.
Face, throat and lower belly are greyish with no pink.
Midbelly are also black with white spots.
I’ve noticed that both sexes has a lilac ring around a dark eye which is not always visible at first glance.

Great photo Lizet.........Got my first sighting in Mkhuze in 2006

Thanks! it seems that's the best place to get them these days.

I saw mine at Rocktail Bay. Amazing little things. They would come down to drink at the bird bath just a couple of meters from us ...

Where did you see the Red-Throated Twinspot?

MV

MV,
I've seen Red-throated at Mushumbi pools in Northern Zim, and also at the Vumba Botanical Gardens in Eastern Zim, but never in SA. There are a few unsubstantial sightings in SA. But maybe someone else can shed some light on them?

It sounds like Mkhuze is a great place to go to......I dont have thisbird on my life list yet but a truly stunning bird! great photo lizet!

Thanks Batmad

Yes, Mkhuze is a very nice birding destination. There are species like Scaly-Throated Honeyguide, Grey Waxbill, Lemon-Breasted Canary (if you are lucky) etc. that you don't see every day.Unfortunately the road between Piet Retief and Pongola is under construction and it will take you 7 hours to get there. Kruger is much closer for a quick weekend away.

Thanks for the advice Lizet...Much appreciated!

Mmmm...Lemon-breasted canary, I really need to go to Mkhuze

In the south of Kruger near Crocodile Bridge.

...............

Twinspot?

Hi Bobbi, I'm afraid not but still a very beautiful male Red-billed Firefinch! Note the size of the spots and bill color in Lizet's photo.

Thanks Patero,
I realize that I must have been VERY tired when trying to ID the bird. The spots and colouring are sooo obvious that I should not have missed it!!!!

Saw Pink-throated Twinspot in Kruger over the weekend.
Oh and Lemon-breasted Canary too at its usual spot.

Nice, where?
I saw my first Twinspot at Gundani Mutsiwa in December

Usual spot for lb canary WTM ? If you share your secret I will divulge where I usually find yellow-billed hornbill in KNP.