Red Fody
NameRed Fody
Common NameRed Fody
Scientific NameFoudia madagascariensis
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are predominantly brilliant red or orange-red, with a black mask around the eyes and bill. Their wings are blackish with white or pale streaking, and the tail is greyish-brown. Females and non-breeding males are duller, resembling sparrows, with streaky brown and grey plumage.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a variety of chirps, twitters, and buzzing calls, often given in rapid succession. They can also produce a sharp 'tsip' alarm call.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to Madagascar, the Red Fody has been widely introduced to numerous other islands in the Indian Ocean, including Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Chagos Archipelago.
Identifying FeaturesBright red plumage (breeding male), Black mask around eyes and bill (breeding male), Streaked black and white wings, Conical bill, Sparrow-like appearance (female and non-breeding male)
Description
The Red Fody is a small, brightly colored passerine, with males displaying striking red plumage during the breeding season. They are active and social birds, often found foraging for seeds and insects in open habitats.
