Broad-tailed paradise whydah

The broad-tailed paradise whydah is a species of bird in the family Viduidae. It is found in woodland and acacia savanna habitat in Sub-Saharan Africa from Angola to Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique. A brood parasite, it has a wide range and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed it as being of least concern.

Distribution

Region

South-Central and East Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs from southern DR Congo and Angola across Zambia and Malawi to Tanzania, Mozambique, and adjacent regions. It favors open woodland and acacia savanna, especially miombo and mopane mosaics with grassy understory. Often seen along woodland edges, thickets, fallow fields, and lightly cultivated areas where grass seeds are abundant. Local movements track rainfall and seed availability, and presence of host finches.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size12–15 cm (female and non-breeding male); up to 30–35 cm in breeding males including tail

Wing Span18–22 cm

Male Weight0.022 kg

Female Weight0.018 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This brood-parasitic finch lays its eggs in the nests of estrildid finches and the chicks mimic their hosts’ calls and gape patterns. Breeding males develop spectacular, very broad tail plumes used in hovering display flights, which are molted after the season. Males also mimic the songs of their host species to attract mates.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

solitary and territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with hovering display flights

Social Behavior

Outside breeding, it forages in loose mixed seed flocks with other finches. It is an obligate brood parasite, laying eggs in host estrildid finch nests and providing no parental care. Courtship involves aerial displays and song mimicry near open perches.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

Males mimic the songs and calls of their host species, interwoven with high, thin trills and whistles. Calls are soft chips and tsit notes used in foraging groups.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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