Southern Red Bishop
NameSouthern Red Bishop
Common NameSouthern Red Bishop
Scientific NameEuplectes orix
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsBreeding males exhibit a brilliant orange-red crown, nape, mantle, rump, and breast, contrasted with a black face, throat, belly, and flanks. Their wings and tail are black, sometimes with orange-red on the wing coverts. Non-breeding males and females are streaky brown, resembling sparrows, with a pale supercilium.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of buzzing, chattering, and wheezing notes, often delivered from a prominent perch. They produce calls described as 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or 'chizz-chizz-chizz'.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatswetland, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from South Africa northwards to Angola, Zambia, and parts of East Africa. It has also been introduced to other regions, including Spain, Portugal, and Australia.
Identifying FeaturesBreeding male's vivid orange-red and black plumage, Small, stocky build, Conical black bill, Often found in wetland and tall grassland habitats
Description
The Southern Red Bishop is a small, stocky weaver known for the male's striking breeding plumage of vivid orange-red and black. These social birds are often found in large flocks in wetland and grassland habitats, where males display prominently to attract mates.
