- Vidua macroura
Identification
12-13 cm in length, tail adds another 20cm to this. Adult male - black back and crown, and a very long black tail, dark brown wings with white patches, underparts, head, are white. The bill is bright red.
The female and non-breeding male - streaked brown upperparts, whitish underparts with buff flanks, buff and black face pattern. They lack the long tail extension.
Distribution
Africa south of the Sahara Desert; however, feral population from introduced individuals are sometimes found, e.g., in Puerto Rico.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species, however, a second subspecies arenosa is sometimes recognized.
Habitat
Open habitats including open woodland, scrub and cultivation.
Behaviour
It is a brood parasite laying its eggs in the nests of estrildid finches, especially waxbills. 2-4 white eggs are added to those already present. In Puerto Rico, only introduced species are parasitized, none of the natives.
The diet includes seeds and grain.
