Eastern Paradise-Whydah
NameEastern Paradise-Whydah
Common NameEastern Paradise-Whydah
Scientific NameVidua paradisaea
FamilyViduidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)36
Weight (g)22
Plumage DetailsBreeding male has a black head, golden-yellow nape, a broad rufous-orange breast band, and a white belly. Its most distinctive feature is the two pairs of extremely long, broad, black central tail feathers. Females and non-breeding males are much duller, streaky brown, resembling sparrows.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of chattering, buzzing, and whistling notes, often incorporating mimicry of its host species, the Green-winged Pytilia.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across eastern and southern Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia south through East Africa to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesExtremely long, broad, black tail feathers (breeding male), Golden-yellow nape and rufous-orange breast band (breeding male), Black head (breeding male), Brood parasitic behavior
Description
The male Eastern Paradise-Whydah in breeding plumage is unmistakable, featuring an exceptionally long, flowing black tail. This species is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of Green-winged Pytilias.
