Steelblue Whydah

Vidua chalybeata

The Steelblue Whydah is a small songbird native to sub-Saharan Africa. The male is known for its striking breeding plumage, which includes a long, black tail and steel-blue and black body feathers. During the breeding season, the male displays elaborate courtship behavior to attract a mate. The female, on the other hand, has a more inconspicuous appearance, with brown and streaked plumage. This species is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly waxbills. The Steelblue Whydah is commonly found in open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands, where it forages for seeds and insects.

Habitat: Open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands