Euplectes albonotatus
The White-winged Widowbird (Euplectes albonotatus) is a striking passerine bird celebrated for the male's dramatic breeding plumage. Breeding males are characterized by their velvety black bodies, contrasting sharply with brilliant white patches on the wing coverts and remiges, and bright yellow epaulets (shoulder patches). Their long, often over 10 cm, tail contributes to a total length of about 25-30 cm, while females and non-breeding males are smaller, roughly 12-15 cm, and weigh between 1...
Found primarily in open grasslands, savannas, cultivated fields, and marshy areas, often near water sources, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Mainly consists of grass seeds, including those of cultivated grains, supplemented with insects (especially during breeding season) such as termites and small caterpillars; primarily forages by gleaning from the ground or seed heads.
White-winged Widowbirds are diurnal, with breeding males being particularly conspicuous during the day as they tirelessly defend territories and perform courtship displays. Foraging occurs predominantly on the ground, where they glean seeds and insects, though they also feed directly from grass s...
The White-winged Widowbird is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting a broad band from Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan southwards through East Africa (including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi) and into Southern Africa (Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambiq...
Least Concern
- The male White-winged Widowbird undergoes one of the most dramatic plumage transformations in the bird world, changing from a drab, streaky brown to brilliant black and yellow for the breeding season. - During courtship, the male's tail can more than double its body length, making its aerial di...