Dusky Indigobird

The dusky indigobird, also known as the variable indigobird or black widowfinch, is a captivating species with a scientific name Vidua funerea. This bird is a member of the Viduidae family, showcasing the intricate relationships within the avian world.

Identification Tips

When observing the dusky indigobird, one should look for its distinctive plumage. The males, particularly, exhibit a dark, almost black coloration that can appear to shimmer with an indigo hue in the right light. The females and juveniles, however, are more subdued in color, which aids in their camouflage.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the dusky indigobird is the moist savanna, a landscape that provides both the open spaces and the dense cover that these birds prefer for their various activities throughout the day.

Distribution

This species has a wide range across the African continent, being found in countries such as Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

The dusky indigobird is known for its fascinating behavior of brood parasitism, similar to that of cuckoos. They lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the responsibility of raising their young to unwitting foster parents.

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the dusky indigobird is classified as Least Concern. This status indicates that, currently, the species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.