The Shaft-tailed Whydah is a graceful brood-parasitic finch found in Southern Africa. Breeding males possess four remarkably elongated, stiff, wire-like tail shafts with small flags at the tips.
Where to spot
Widespread in arid and semi-arid savannas and thornscrub of Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
How to spot
Look for breeding males displaying over open areas. Their unique 'shafted' tail feathers are unmistakable. Often seen near Violet-eared Waxbills.
When to spot
Year-round. Breeding males are most spectacular during the breeding season (often summer rainy season).
Where to spot
Widespread in arid and semi-arid savannas and thornscrub of Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
How to spot
Look for breeding males displaying over open areas. Their unique 'shafted' tail feathers are unmistakable. Often seen near Violet-eared Waxbills.
When to spot
Year-round. Breeding males are most spectacular during the breeding season (often summer rainy season).
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
This whydah is a specialist brood parasite of the Violet-eared Waxbill, displaying remarkable mimicry of its host's nestling mouth patterns.
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