The Comoros fody, also known as the red-headed fody, is a species of passerine bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in the Comoros. The taxon aldabrana, was previously often considered a subspecies of the Comoros fody. Previously, the forest fody from Madagascar was considered a subspecies of the Comoros fody.
Region
Western Indian Ocean
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Comoros archipelago, it occupies a wide range of habitats including coastal scrub, secondary forest, agroforestry mosaics, coconut groves, and village gardens. It forages at forest edges and in open woodlands, often near human settlements. It tolerates habitat alteration and readily uses fruiting trees and flowering shrubs. Nesting typically occurs in shrubs and small trees in both natural and cultivated areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small island weaver, the Comoros fody is highly adaptable and thrives from native forests to village gardens and plantations. Breeding males show bright reddish heads and throats, while females and non-breeding males are brown and streaked for camouflage. The Aldabra fody (Foudia aldabrana) was formerly treated as a subspecies but is now recognized as distinct, and Madagascar’s forest fody (Foudia omissa) was also once lumped with it. Its flexible diet and tolerance of human-modified habitats help keep populations stable.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups or loose flocks outside the breeding season. Pairs defend small territories when nesting and build neatly woven, spherical nests with side entrances in shrubs or trees. They may nest semi-colonially where suitable cover and food are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of thin twitters and chirps, interspersed with short trills. Males sing from exposed perches during the breeding season, giving frequent contact calls while foraging.
