breeding male; long sweeping tail; buffy underparts (Zoo; 2008-10-21)


Long-tailed Paradise Whydah
Vidua paradisaea

Native Range: Africa

Notes: this is one of several closely related species in the paradise whydah complex; all are brood parasites on other small birds, laying their eggs in other species' nests and leaving the rearing of their young to the foster parents; shows great sexual dimmorphism, with only the male displaying the long tail during the breeding season; at other times of year the male more closely resembles the much drabber brown-streaked female.


black head; beige nape; chestnut brown throat (Zoo; 2008-10-21)

male posing (Zoo; 2012-09-19)

male posing for a head portrait (Zoo; 2012-09-19)