Birds
File:Euplectes axillaris, Linunga, Birding Weto, a.jpg

Fan-tailed Widowbird

Fan-tailed Widowbird

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Fan-tailed Widowbird is a common African weaver. Breeding males are glossy black with orange or yellow shoulder patches and a distinctive fan-shaped tail during flight.
Where to spot
Widespread across much of sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting grasslands, savannas, and marshes, particularly near water.
How to spot
Look for the male's black plumage with vibrant shoulder patches. Watch for its characteristic display flight where the tail is fanned out, making it distinct.
When to spot
Most conspicuous during the breeding season (typically the rainy season) when males are in their striking plumage and perform aerial displays.
File:Euplectes axillaris, Linunga, Birding Weto, a.jpg
File:Euplectes axillaris axillaris 1838.jpg
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird^ Euplectes axillaris - Flickr - gailhampshire.jpg
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) male ... (45721155655).jpg
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) male ... (46538242582), crop.jpg
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) male ... (46538242582).jpg
File:Luigi Balugani - Euplectes axillaris (Fan-tailed widowbirds) - B1977.14.8488(27) - Yale Center for British Art.jpg
File:Euplectes axillaris, Linunga, Birding Weto, a.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Euplectes axillaris axillaris 1838.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird^ Euplectes axillaris - Flickr - gailhampshire.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) male ... (45721155655).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) male ... (46538242582), crop.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris) male ... (46538242582).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Luigi Balugani - Euplectes axillaris (Fan-tailed widowbirds) - B1977.14.8488(27) - Yale Center for British Art.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
The male's tail, though not exceptionally long, spreads out dramatically like a fan during its display flight, hence its common name.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

Gespotte Kleine Gele Wever
100

Little Weaver

Weavers and Allies
100

Black-chinned Weaver

Weavers and Allies
File:Northern masked weaver (Ploceus taeniopterus) female.jpg
100

Northern Masked-Weaver

Weavers and Allies
File:Quelea común (Quelea quelea), parque nacional de Amboseli, Kenia, 2024-05-22, DD 12.jpg
100

Red-billed Quelea

Weavers and Allies
File:Foudia eminentissima.jpg
100

Red-headed Fody

Weavers and Allies
100

Maxwell's Black Weaver

Weavers and Allies
File:Euplectes capensis - 0140.jpg
100

Yellow Bishop

Weavers and Allies
100

Bates's Weaver

Weavers and Allies
File:Malimbus cassini & Anaplectes rubriceps 1876.jpg
100

Black-throated Malimbe

Weavers and Allies
File:Vieillot's Black Weaver (Ploceus nigerrimus) (6930639008).jpg
100

Vieillot's Black Weaver

Weavers and Allies