Fan-tailed Widowbird

The fan-tailed widowbird, also known as the red-shouldered widowbird, is a captivating species of bird belonging to the Ploceidae family. This bird is adorned with a distinctive fan-shaped tail and is native to the grassy and swampy regions of the tropical and subtropical Afrotropics.

Identification Tips

Breeding males can be identified by their striking eclipse plumage, which is a visual spectacle during the mating season. Observers should look for the characteristic red shoulders that give this bird its alternate name.

Habitat

The fan-tailed widowbird thrives in grasslands and wetlands, where it can often be seen perched or in flight, displaying its remarkable tail.

Distribution

This species has a wide range across the African continent, from Angola to South Africa, and from Mali to Ethiopia. It is a common sight in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and many others within its range.

Breeding

Breeding behaviors are a highlight for this species, with males transforming into their breeding plumage and performing elaborate displays to court females.

Similar Species

While there are other widowbirds with fan-shaped tails, the fan-tailed widowbird's red shoulders and specific plumage make it distinguishable from its relatives.

Subspecies

There are five accepted subspecies of the fan-tailed widowbird, each with slight variations and occupying different geographic regions within the species' extensive range. These include E. a. bocagei, E. a. phoeniceus, E. a. traversii, E. a. zanzibaricus, and E. a. axillaris.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the fan-tailed widowbird as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.