Northern Red Bishop vs Sociable Weaver

Northern Red Bishop

Euplectes franciscanus

Small16 gGrassland

This short-tailed bishop is small in size, about 11 cm and weighing about 12-22 grams. The striking red-orange feathers are produced by pigments derived from compounds in their diet. Specifically, the yellow, orange, and red pigments originate from compounds called carotenoids, which are very diet-dependent. Lutein and two red fractions (R1 and R2) derived from lutein are the two dominating carotenoids that contribute to the bird's pigment in the wild. Northern red bishops held in captivity lack the R2 red fraction carotenoid from their diet.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Daniel S. Katz · CC BY 4.0

Sociable Weaver

Philetairus socius

Small27 gDesert

Measuring around 14 cm (5+1⁄2 in) in length, the sociable weaver has a black chin, black, barred flanks, and a scalloped back. It typically weighs 26–32 g (15⁄16–1+1⁄8 oz), and sexes are indistinguishable. Tail Length around 42–48 mm (1.7–1.9 in).

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Prince Molokomme · CC0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Northern Red Bishop and Sociable Weaver.