Brown Accentor

The Long-tailed Paradise Whydah, Vidua paradisaea, is a small passerine bird, a member of the family Viduidae. This species is remarkable for its sexual dimorphism, particularly the male's extravagant breeding plumage featuring an extraordinarily elongated tail.

Identification Tips

During the breeding season, males are unmistakable with their black heads and backs, a rusty breast, a bright yellow nape, and a white abdomen. Their most striking feature is the long, broad, black tail feathers that can extend up to 36 centimeters. Females and non-breeding males are more subdued in color, resembling sparrows with greyish-brown plumage and blackish streaks, and a paler under tail.

Habitat

The Long-tailed Paradise Whydah inhabits grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands, often found in bushed grassland areas near cultivation.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding proximity to surface waters.

Behaviour

These birds are known for their brood parasitism, laying eggs in the nests of other songbirds without harming the host's eggs. They roost in flocks and males are adept at mimicking the songs of their host species.

Song & Calls

Males mimic the songs of their host species, such as the Melba Finch, to attract females. Females prefer males that can accurately mimic the songs of their own host species.

Breeding

The Long-tailed Paradise Whydah is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other songbirds. The males display their long tails and mimicry skills to attract mates during the breeding season.

Similar Species

Similar species include other members of the Viduidae family, such as the Pin-tailed Whydah and the Shaft-tailed Whydah, which also exhibit long tails in males during the breeding season.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily granivorous, these birds feed on seeds that have ripened and fallen to the ground. They employ a "double scratch" technique to uncover seeds and use their tongues to dehusk and manipulate individual seeds.

Conservation status

The Long-tailed Paradise Whydah is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.