Straw-tailed Whydah
NameStraw-tailed Whydah
Common NameStraw-tailed Whydah
Scientific NameVidua fischeri
FamilyViduidae
Wingspan (cm)16
Length (cm)32.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males have black upperparts, creamy-white underparts, a distinctive creamy-white crown, and a bright red bill. Their most striking feature is the four extremely long, pale yellow-white, straw-like tail feathers. Females and non-breeding males are duller, streaky brown with a buff supercilium.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, sibilant whistles and buzzing notes, often mimicking the calls of its host species, such as the Purple Grenadier.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in dry acacia savannas and thornbush habitats across East Africa, including parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Identifying Featuresextremely long straw-like tail feathers (breeding male), creamy-white crown (breeding male), bright red bill (breeding male), black upperparts and creamy underparts (breeding male)
Description
This small passerine is notable for the breeding male's extremely long, pale straw-like tail feathers. It is an obligate brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other finch species, primarily the Purple Grenadier.
