The Jos Plateau indigobird is a species of bird in the family Viduidae. It was thought to be endemic to Nigeria, but has been recently reported from northern Cameroon. It lays its eggs in the nest of the rock firefinch which is also restricted to Nigeria. Because of their inability to incubate their eggs, they lay their eggs in the nest of the rock firefinch and then take away the exact number of laid eggs from the host bird in order to avoid suspicion from the host bird. After hatching they exhibit dominance against the hatchlings of the rock firefinches. Their breeding seasons are all round the year but more pronounced during the cold Harmattan period between July and December.
Region
Jos Plateau and adjacent Nigeria–Cameroon highlands (West Africa)
Typical Environment
Most frequently found on and around rocky outcrops, boulder-strewn slopes, and adjacent savanna grasslands where Rock Firefinches occur. It also uses weedy fields, farm edges, and village margins with scattered shrubs and grasses. Birds perch conspicuously on rocks and low trees to sing. Occurrence is patchy and closely tied to the distribution of its host species.
Altitude Range
900–1700 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
An obligate brood parasite, it lays its eggs in the nests of the Rock Firefinch (Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis). Males imitate the host’s calls and songs, which helps attract females reared by the same host species. It was long considered confined to Nigeria’s Jos Plateau but has also been reported from northern Cameroon. Identification can be tricky, as females resemble small brown finches while breeding males are glossy dark blue-black.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding flights between perches
Social Behavior
A brood parasite of the Rock Firefinch; females lay eggs in host nests and typically remove an equal number of host eggs. Males defend small singing perches and display to multiple females, and both sexes show strong association with host territories. Nestlings mimic the host’s mouth markings and begging calls.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males deliver high, thin notes interspersed with rich mimicry of the Rock Firefinch’s calls. Song is given persistently from exposed perches on rocks and shrubs, especially in the cool, dry season.
Plumage
Breeding males are glossy indigo-blue to blue-black; females and non-breeding birds are brown with fine streaking and a warmer buff tone on the flanks and underparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small grass seeds and other fine seeds picked from the ground or seed heads. Will take small insects and termites, especially during the breeding period. Often forages quietly in mixed flocks with firefinches and other small estrildids.
Preferred Environment
Open rocky savanna, grassy slopes, and weedy edges near human habitation where grasses set seed. Frequently forages near the host species in the same microhabitats.
