Marsh Widowbird
NameMarsh Widowbird
Common NameMarsh Widowbird
Scientific NameEuplectes hartlaubi
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)22.5
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)24
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are entirely glossy black with prominent bright yellow carpal patches on the shoulders and a long, stiff, graduated black tail. Non-breeding males and females are streaky brown and buff, resembling sparrows, with shorter tails.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of buzzing, chattering, and whistling notes, often given during display flights. A common call is a 'tseet-tseet-tseet' followed by a buzzing 'zzzzzz'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in central and eastern Africa, with a fragmented distribution across countries such as Cameroon, Congo, Angola, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesGlossy black plumage (breeding male), Bright yellow shoulder patches, Long, stiff tail (breeding male), Inhabits marshy grasslands
Description
The Marsh Widowbird is a striking African passerine, with breeding males displaying glossy black plumage, bright yellow shoulder patches, and a long, stiff tail. They inhabit marshy grasslands, where males perform elaborate aerial displays to attract mates.
