White-winged Widowbird
Euplectes albonotatus
Thornveld and cultivations. Breeding male all-black with yellow and white shoulder-patch; bill pale grey.
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident. Breeding male is recognised by yellow-and-white wings, blueish bill and broad tail, which is frequently fanned. Utters a twittering sound when displaying. Frequents marshes or damp vleis in otherwise dry thornveld and mixed bushveld; also rank vegetation bordering cultivations. Male displays and perches conspicuously during summer.
Quick Facts
Size
19 cm - S
Names
A: Witvlerkflap
Z: intakemaphikamhlophe
G: Spiegelwida
Bird Family
Reed- and grass-loving seed-eaters, differing from other Ploceidae in that males are predominantly black when breeding, some with long tails. They habitually puff out their plumage in display. Non-breeding males and immatures resemble females, and can be very difficult to identify.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Frequents marshes or damp vleis in otherwise dry thornveld and mixed 'bushveld'; also rank vegetation bordering cultivations.
