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Overview
Zanzibar red bishop

Zanzibar red bishop

Wikipedia

The Zanzibar red bishop is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

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Distribution

Region

East Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs along the coastal lowlands of Kenya, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), and northern Mozambique. It favors marshes, reedbeds, papyrus fringes, wet grasslands, and rice paddies. During the non-breeding season it also uses drier savanna edges and cultivated fields. It often thrives in human-modified wetlands and agricultural mosaics. Nesting is typically over water in dense emergent vegetation.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size10–12 cm
Wing Span16–20 cm
Male Weight0.019 kg
Female Weight0.016 kg
Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Males turn brilliant red and black in the breeding season, then molt back to a drab, sparrow-like brown outside it. The black belly is a key field mark that separates it from other red bishops. They breed in colonies in reedbeds, where males weave multiple nests to attract females. Polygyny is common, with one male courting several females.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Egg, Collection Museum Wiesbaden

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with bouncy display flights

Social Behavior

Breeds colonially in dense emergent vegetation, where males weave several oval nests to entice females. Polygynous mating is common, and males defend small display territories in the reeds. Females handle most incubation and chick-rearing, while males continue display and territory defense.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Male display includes a scratchy, buzzing series of trills and chatters delivered from reed perches or in fluttering flight. Calls are sharp chips and rattles that help maintain contact within flocks.

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