The black bishop is a species of passerine bird in the family Ploceidae native to Africa south of the Sahara. Three subspecies are recognised.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in open savannas, moist and dry grasslands, and at the edges of marshes and wetlands. It favors tall rank grasses, reeds, and weedy fallows, and often uses agricultural margins where seed is abundant. During the non-breeding season it may join mixed flocks of other seedeaters in more open country. Local movements track rainfall and seeding grasses.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The black bishop is a small weaver notable for the breeding male’s mostly glossy-black plumage and lively display flights over tall grass. Outside the breeding season, males molt into a streaked brown plumage resembling females. It weaves a domed grass nest, often suspended over dense grass or reeds near water. Three subspecies are recognized across different parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
Illustration of E. g. ansorgei by J. G. Keulemans (1899)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering display flights
Social Behavior
Often forms small colonies in suitable grassland during the breeding season, with males displaying from prominent grass stems. Nests are woven from grass blades and placed low in dense vegetation, sometimes over water. Outside the breeding season, flocks of varying size forage together and may mix with other granivorous passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are sharp chips and dry buzzes, with a simple, scratchy song delivered from exposed perches during display. Vocalizations are more frequent at dawn and around active display periods.
