Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes ardens
The Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens) is a uncommon weaver found in 25 countries, weighing about 19 g. The red-collared widowbird is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
About the Red-collared Widowbird
The red-collared widowbird is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. Red-collared widowbirds are found in grasslands and bush clearings in western and southern Africa. They are known for their long tails and brilliant red badges, both of which act as sexual ornaments. They are often associated with other widowbird and bishop species. They are polygynous, where males acquisition of territory is an important determinant in their access to mates. Red-collared widowbirds have a wide range and there is little concern in terms of conservation status.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Similar to other widowbirds, male red-collared widowbirds have both seasonal and sexual dimorphism. Males are about 25 cm (9.8 in) in length while females are only 13 centimeters. A similar trend is seen with weight, where males range from 20 to 26 g (0.71 to 0.92 oz) and females are only between 16 and 22 grams. During non-breeding seasons, the male plumage is brown, while in breeding season, October to April, they have black plumage with a long tail, approximately 22 cm, and crescent-shaped carotenoid based chest patch.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Côte d’Ivoire.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December, with peak activity in January. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Red-collared Widowbird?
- Similar to other widowbirds, male red-collared widowbirds have both seasonal and sexual dimorphism. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Red-collared Widowbird?
- The Red-collared Widowbird is a small sized bird weighing about 19 g.
- Where can you see a Red-collared Widowbird?
- The Red-collared Widowbird occurs in 25 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Eswatini and Tanzania.
- What birds look similar to a Red-collared Widowbird?
- The Red-collared Widowbird is most easily confused with the Fan-tailed Widowbird, the White-winged Widowbird and the Yellow-crowned Bishop.
- Is the Red-collared Widowbird endangered?
- The Red-collared Widowbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Red-collared Widowbird for real
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