The yellow bishop, also known as Cape bishop, Cape widow or yellow-rumped widow, is a resident breeding Afromontane bird species.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa (Afromontane belt)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Cape region north through highland and montane zones of southern and eastern Africa. Prefers tall, moist grasslands, fynbos, heaths, and edges of wetlands, often near bracken or sedges. Also uses agricultural margins and fallow fields with rank grass. Nests are placed low in dense grass or reeds, and the species generally avoids closed forest. Outside breeding, it frequents open country and burns where new green growth attracts insects and seed.
Altitude Range
0–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Cape bishop or yellow-rumped widow, this weaver relative is common in Afromontane grasslands and fynbos. Breeding males turn velvety black with striking yellow shoulder patches and rump, while females remain streaky brown for camouflage. Males display with fluttering flights over tall grass to attract females. They often form loose flocks outside the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding display flights
Social Behavior
Outside the breeding season they form loose flocks that move through tall grass for seeds. In breeding season, males defend small territories in suitable grassy patches and perform display flights to attract multiple females. Females construct the domed grass nest and provide most parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of dry buzzes, chatters, and thin whistles delivered from a perch or during a fluttering display. Calls include sharp ticks and rasping notes that carry over grasslands.
Plumage
Breeding males are velvety black with bright yellow rump and shoulder patches; non-breeding males are browner with muted yellow. Females are streaked brown with buffy underparts and a paler eyebrow.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grass and sedge seeds, supplemented by small insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. During breeding, insects become more important, especially for feeding nestlings. They also take green shoots and occasionally small flower parts.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in tall grass, weedy fields, and along wetland edges where seedheads are abundant. Frequently uses recently burned areas with fresh regrowth and roadside verges with rank vegetation.
