The steel-blue whydah is a species of bird in the family Viduidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitat is dry savanna.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in dry savanna, thorn scrub, and open acacia woodland, often near lightly cultivated areas and villages. Prefers grassy areas with scattered shrubs where seed resources are plentiful. It uses edges of bushland and fallows, and frequents paths, tracks, and waterpoints where seeds accumulate. During the breeding season, males display from exposed perches within these open habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A brood parasite, the steel-blue whydah lays its eggs in the nests of small estrildid finches and the chicks are raised by the host species. Males develop a striking glossy steel-blue to black breeding plumage and elongated tail streamers, while females remain brown and streaked. Males often mimic the songs of their host finches to attract mates. It inhabits dry savannas and thorn scrub across parts of East Africa.
Temperament
often inconspicuous in cover, males conspicuous when displaying
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding flight; males perform fluttering display flights
Social Behavior
Brood-parasitic on small finches; females lay eggs in host nests and do not build their own. Males are polygynous and defend display perches, performing aerial displays to attract females. Pairs do not form long-term bonds; breeding is tied to seasonal rains when hosts are nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Males produce a mix of buzzing notes, trills, and clear whistles, often incorporating precise imitations of their host finch’s calls. Song is delivered from exposed perches and during hovering display flights.
Plumage
Breeding male is glossy steel-blue to black with elongated tail streamers; non-breeding male and female are warm brown above with darker streaking and paler underparts.
Diet
Feeds mainly on small grass seeds gleaned from the ground and seed heads. Will take small insects, especially during the breeding season for added protein. Often visits recently disturbed ground, paths, and the edges of waterholes where seeds accumulate. Foraging is typically in small loose groups or alongside other seed-eating finches.
Preferred Environment
Open grassy patches, fallow fields, and the margins of thorn scrub and acacia woodland. Also forages around settlements and agricultural edges where weeds and grasses are abundant.
