Broad tailed paradise whydah

Introduction: Broad-tailed paradise-whydah (Vidua obtusa) prefer broad-leaved woodland such as miombo, although grassy areas and fallow fields also attract them. Small flocks of 25 to 150 outside of the breeding season are common, with observations singly or in pairs more likely.

Distribution: Linyanti Marshes, Katima Mulilo and the Chobe/Zambezi River confluence.
Diet: Forages along the edges of tracks and woodlands for grass seeds such as sweet grass, guinea grass and common thatching grass.

Description: A black head. The nape and sides of the neck are a coppery red. Wings and tail and remainder of upper parts are black. Obtusa is Latin for 'blunt', referring to the shape of the tail.
Breeding: Uses the nest of the orange-winged pytilia, to lay an egg daily, in sets of 3. incubation is for around 12 days.

Size: 15cm. Breeding males 26 to 28cm, including the tail.

Weight: 20g.