Pin tailed whydah
Introduction: Pin-tailed whydahs (Vidua macroura) occur in a wide range of habitats including grassland, hillsides supporting isolated populations of bushes and trees as well as open savannah woodland. Sedges along rivers and streams also attract this species. Groups of up to 20 are common in the non-breeding season.
Distribution: Scarce populations throughout southern and central Namibia. Greater numbers can be observed in the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Forages with other widowbirds, finches and bishops for mainly grass seeds lying on bare ground.
Description: Macroura is a Greek word for 'large tail'.
Breeding: Lays 1 or 2 eggs in a host nest, mainly that of the common waxbill, from November to April. Incubation is for around 11 days.
Size: 12cm. Breeding males 26 to 34cm, including the tail.
Weight: 15g.
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