Black-winged Red Bishop

Overview

The black-winged red bishop (Euplectes hordeaceus) is a resident breeding bird species found throughout tropical Africa. As a common weaver, it builds spherical nests in tall grass and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A stocky bird measuring 13–15 cm in length.
• Breeding males feature scarlet plumage with a black face, belly, and wings, and a brown tail.
• Non-breeding males and females are yellow-brown with pale fringes and a whitish supercilium; non-breeding males have darker tones and black wings compared to the northern red bishop.
• A thick, black, conical bill.
• Males display by singing high-pitched twitters from tall grass, puffing out feathers, or performing slow hovering flight.

Habitat

Found in open country, particularly tall grasslands often situated near water sources. Its range extends from Senegal to Sudan in the north and south to Angola, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

Diet

This gregarious species feeds on seed, grain, and some insects.

Did you know?

The species was formerly known in southern Africa as the fire-crowned bishop.