Euplectes jacksoni
The Jackson's Widowbird, *Euplectes jacksoni*, is a spectacular passerine belonging to the Ploceidae family (weavers), renowned for the male's extraordinarily elongated tail and unique aerial courtship display. Breeding males are entirely glossy black, save for a small brown patch on the wings, and possess a stiff, rounded tail that can measure up to 40 cm, often two to three times their body length of 14-16 cm (excluding the tail). Females and non-breeding males are comparatively drab, exhib...
Found primarily in high-altitude open grasslands and moist savannas, often near marshes or damp areas. Typically inhabits elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on grass seeds and weed seeds, but also consumes a variety of insects (e.g., grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars) during the breeding season.
Jackson's Widowbirds are diurnal, with males becoming highly conspicuous during the breeding season through their elaborate aerial displays. Foraging occurs mainly on the ground, where they glean seeds and insects from grass and low vegetation. Males are fiercely territorial, defending small bree...
The Jackson's Widowbird is endemic to the East African highlands, primarily found in central Kenya and north-central Tanzania. Its core distribution includes the Aberdare Mountains, Mount Kenya, Mau Escarpment, Cherangani Hills, and parts of the Serengeti ecosystem. It is largely a resident speci...
Least Concern
- The breeding male's tail can grow up to 40 cm long, making it two to three times the length of his body, a truly remarkable feat of avian ornamentation. - Its iconic aerial display involves the male flying upwards, stalling, and then descending in a slow, 'bouncing' motion, vibrating his entire...