Purple Indigobird
NamePurple Indigobird
Common NamePurple Indigobird
Scientific NameVidua purpurascens
FamilyViduidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)12
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are entirely glossy purplish-black, often appearing deep black, with a conical reddish-orange bill and reddish legs. Females and non-breeding males are duller, streaky brown with a pale supercilium and a dark bill.
Vocalization / CallThe male's song is a complex mimicry of its host species, primarily the Red-billed Firefinch, interspersed with its own high-pitched, sibilant notes and churring calls.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread in sub-Saharan Africa, occurring from Angola and Namibia east through Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania, south to Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa.
Identifying Featuresglossy purplish-black plumage (breeding male), reddish conical bill, reddish legs, small size, mimics host calls
Description
The Purple Indigobird is a small, finch-like bird, with breeding males displaying a glossy purplish-black plumage. They are known for their brood parasitic behavior, laying their eggs in the nests of other finch species, particularly the Red-billed Firefinch.
