The montane widowbird, also known as the mountain marsh widowbird is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae, which is native to the eastern Afrotropics.
Region
East African Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and submontane grasslands, damp meadows, and sedge marshes across the highlands of the eastern Afrotropics. It favors rank grasses near wetlands, valley bottoms, and seasonally flooded pastures. During the non-breeding season it may use adjacent cultivated fields and fallows where seedheads remain. Nesting typically occurs in dense, tall grasses where concealment is good. Habitat quality is strongly influenced by grazing and fire regimes.
Altitude Range
1500–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Breeding males grow elongated tail streamers and turn mostly black with a conspicuous buff-yellow shoulder patch, performing slow, fluttering display flights over grasslands. Outside the breeding season, males molt into a streaky brown plumage similar to females, offering excellent camouflage. They are closely tied to high-elevation grasslands and marshy meadows, where vegetation structure is crucial for nesting.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
slow fluttering display flights; otherwise fast, low flights over grass
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season it forms small flocks that feed and roost together. In the breeding season males establish display territories in suitable grassland and may be polygynous. Nests are woven low in tall grasses, often in loose colonies where cover is dense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin twitters and buzzy notes delivered during display flights. The song is simple and repetitive, often accompanied by hovering, fluttering flight above the territory.
