Shaft-tailed Whydah

Vidua obtusa

The Shaft-tailed Whydah (Vidua obtusa) is a small, sexually dimorphic bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. The male has striking black and white plumage with a long, black tail, while the female is more subtly colored with brown and white feathers. During the breeding season, the male displays elaborate courtship behavior, including fluffing its feathers and performing aerial displays to attract a mate. This species is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly waxbills. The Shaft-tailed Whydah is often found in open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas, where it forages for seeds and insects. It is generally considered to be of Least Concern by the IUCN due to its widespread distribution and stable population.

Habitat: Open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas