Red-collared Widowbird

The Red-collared Widowbird, Euplectes ardens, is a striking species within the Ploceidae family, characterized by its long tails and vivid red badges that serve as sexual ornaments. These birds exhibit a remarkable sexual dimorphism, with males transforming from a modest brown to a resplendent black with a long tail and a red chest patch during the breeding season.

Identification Tips

Males in breeding plumage are unmistakable with their black bodies, elongated tails of about 22 cm, and a distinctive crescent-shaped red chest badge. Females and juveniles are more subdued in appearance, presenting a streaky brown plumage with shorter tails. It's worth noting that nonbreeding males retain their black tails, setting them apart from females and subadults.

Habitat

The Red-collared Widowbird is commonly found in open grasslands, agricultural areas, and clearings within forests across Eastern and Southern Africa. They favor environments with sparse tree coverage, often on slopes.

Distribution

This species has a broad distribution across western and southern Africa, where it is frequently encountered in various habitats, including the renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa.

Behaviour

Red-collared Widowbirds are known to form large communal roosts, sometimes comprising 50 to 100 individuals. These gatherings often include breeding males and may associate with other species such as the Red-billed Quelea and Southern Red Bishop. Males are fiercely territorial during the breeding season, with territory acquisition being a crucial factor in securing mates.

Breeding

The species is polygynous, with males playing no role in parental care. Instead, they offer potential nesting sites within their territories. Females are solely responsible for nest construction, incubation, and feeding of the young. Clutches typically contain 2 to 4 eggs, and the incubation period ranges from 12 to 15 days.

Similar Species

The Red-collared Widowbird was once considered conspecific with the Red-cowled Widowbird, which has more red in its plumage and a shorter tail in breeding males.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists of grass seeds, including sorghum, as well as nectar, small berries, and insects such as ants, caterpillars, and termites. They forage on the ground, often in the company of other bird species.

Conservation status

The Red-collared Widowbird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a wide range and a substantial population, indicating little immediate threat to its survival.