Steel-blue Whydah
NameSteel-blue Whydah
Common NameSteel-blue Whydah
Scientific NameVidua hypocherina
FamilyViduidae
Wingspan (cm)16.5
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)15
Plumage DetailsBreeding males exhibit glossy, iridescent steel-blue to purplish-blue plumage over most of the body, with blackish wings and an extremely long, flowing black tail consisting of two central streamers that can reach up to 40 cm. Females and non-breeding males are streaky brown and buff, resembling their host species.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of high-pitched, buzzing notes and whistles, often incorporating mimicry of the Black-faced Waxbill's calls.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in East Africa, from Ethiopia and Somalia south through Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Also present in parts of southern Africa, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent steel-blue plumage (breeding male), Extremely long, flowing black tail streamers (breeding male), Small body size, Mimics host species' calls, Often found near Black-faced Waxbills
Description
The Steel-blue Whydah is a small, brood-parasitic passerine bird native to East Africa. Breeding males are striking with iridescent steel-blue plumage and exceptionally long tail streamers, while females and non-breeding males are duller brown. They are often found in grasslands and savannas, mimicking the calls of their host species, the Black-faced Waxbill.
