Quelea erythrops
The Red-headed Quelea (*Quelea erythrops*) is a striking member of the weaver family, Ploceidae, easily identified by the breeding male's intense crimson-red head, which covers its entire forehead, crown, nape, cheeks, chin, and throat, often extending to the upper breast. This small passerine, typically measuring around 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length and weighing 15-20 grams, presents a contrasting streaky brown-black upperparts and whitish underparts. Females and non-breeding males are consid...
Found in moist grasslands, reedbeds, swampy areas, and cultivated land, often near water sources. Typically inhabits low to moderate elevations.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds of grasses and cultivated cereals; supplements its diet significantly with insects, particularly during the breeding season.
Red-headed Queleas are highly diurnal and gregarious, often forming large, vocal flocks outside the breeding season that can include other weaver species. Foraging primarily occurs on the ground or in low vegetation, where they glean seeds and insects. During the breeding season, males establish ...
The Red-headed Quelea is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a broad band that stretches from West Africa through Central Africa to East Africa. Its breeding range encompasses countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, Central...
Least Concern
- The male Red-headed Quelea's brilliant crimson head is among the most striking examples of sexual dimorphism in African passerines. - Unlike its infamous cousin, the Red-billed Quelea, this species is not typically known to form massive, crop-destroying flocks. - These birds are highly nomadic,...