Yellow-mantled Widowbird

The Yellow-mantled Widowbird, also known as the Yellow-backed Widow, is a striking species belonging to the Ploceidae family. The males, particularly resplendent during the breeding season, boast elongated tails and a vivid contrast of black and golden yellow plumage. The mantle, a brilliant golden yellow or black in the northeastern race E. m. macrocercus, is a defining feature. In all male plumages, breeding or otherwise, the yellow shoulders remain a constant.

Identification Tips

To identify the Yellow-mantled Widowbird, look for the larger size of the males compared to the females, especially noticeable during the breeding season when males exhibit longer tails. The male's breeding plumage is unmistakable with its black and golden yellow colors and the persistent yellow shoulders. The northeastern race, E. m. macrocercus, is characterized by a black rather than yellow mantle.

Habitat

This bird favors subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, thriving in environments that offer seasonal abundance.

Distribution

The Yellow-mantled Widowbird has a wide distribution across Africa. It can be found in numerous countries including Angola, Benin, and all the way to Zimbabwe. The distinctive race E. m. macrocercus is found in Eritrea, Ethiopia, western Kenya, and Uganda.

Breeding

Breeding males of the race E. m. macrocercus are noted for their black mantle plumage, a departure from the typical yellow.

Conservation status

The Yellow-mantled Widowbird is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.