Ynglende han © Todd Dixon eBird S64372460 Macaulay Library ML 209938091
Hun/ikke-ynglende han © Nik Borrow
Ynglende han © Debra Herst
Ynglende han © Eric van Poppel
Ynglende han © Tommy Pedersen
+ 2
Hun/ikke-ynglende han © Mike Tuer

Steel-blue Whydah Vidua hypocherina

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Identification

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A nest parasite that lays its eggs in the nests of Black-cheeked and Black-faced Waxbills. As with other whydahs, breeding males are distinctive, whereas non-breeding males and females are drab and inconspicuous. Breeding males are glossy blue-black with elongated central tail feathers. Non-breeding males and females have a brownish back, a heavily striped face, and a whitish bill and legs. Generally uncommon in rather dry savanna and woodland. Non-breeding male and female can be cautiously separated from other whydahs and indigobirds by their pale bill and legs. Not very vocal, but does imitate the waxbills that it parasitizes.

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