The red-collared widowbird is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. Red-collared widowbirds are found in grasslands and bush clearings in western and southern Africa. They are known for their long tails and brilliant red badges, both of which act as sexual ornaments. They are often associated with other widowbird and bishop species. They are polygynous, where males acquisition of territory is an important determinant in their access to mates. Red-collared widowbirds have a wide range and there is little concern in terms of conservation status.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist to mesic grasslands, edges of cultivation, and bushy clearings, often near wetlands or seasonal drainages. Prefers tall grass swards for nesting, with scattered shrubs or reedbeds for song perches. Frequently utilizes agricultural landscapes such as fallow fields and pasture with residual grass structure. Outside breeding, it ranges more widely in open country and joins mixed-species flocks. Local movements often track rainfall and grass seed availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2600 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males develop a striking scarlet collar and elongated tail during the breeding season, both functioning as sexual ornaments under female choice. They are strongly polygynous: a single male defends a territory that hosts multiple nesting females. Outside the breeding season, males molt into a cryptic brown plumage similar to females. They often associate with other widowbirds and bishops in mixed foraging flocks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with looping display flights
Social Behavior
During breeding, males hold discrete territories and court multiple females within them. Females build the nest, a woven grass structure low in tall grasses, and perform most incubation and chick-rearing. Outside the breeding season, birds form loose flocks and often mix with other Euplectes species while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The display song is a series of dry buzzes, trills, and scratchy notes delivered from exposed perches or during fluttering display flights. Calls include sharp chips and nasal twangs used for contact within flocks. Vocalizations are not elaborate but are persistent in the breeding season.
Plumage
Breeding males are velvety black with a vivid red collar across the throat and upper breast, and an elongated, graduated tail. Non-breeding males and females are streaked brown above with paler underparts and fine barring, providing excellent camouflage in grass. Plumage is sleek with minimal spotting and a strong contrast in breeding males.
Diet
Feeds on grass seeds, cereal grains, and a variety of small invertebrates including termites, beetles, and caterpillars. Insects are especially important during the breeding season to provision nestlings with protein. It also takes fallen seeds from the ground and plucks seed heads directly from standing grasses. Opportunistic feeding at crop margins is common.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tall to medium-height grasslands, field edges, and lightly grazed pastures. Frequently uses weedy verges, fallow plots, and the periphery of wetlands where seed and insect abundance are high.
