Pin-Tailed Whydah (Vidua Macroura)

I observed the courtship behaviour of a Pin-tailed Whydah quite a few times, but I have never been able to capture it so brilliant as Mauritz did. Asking him about the circumstances he told me that it was quite task to get a good photo.

Spent a good two weeks on and off to get this photo. They were visiting our feedingspot in our back garden. Visiting is the wrong word. This little guy took it for himself and his 3 strong harem. Late one afternoon the light and everything conspired to give me this beauty. Johannesburg South-Africa. Canon 350D 300mm EF lens.

Thanx for this and the permission to post your photo here. Have a look at the photo on flickr. Mauritz reveals more intersting facts about this beautiful bird like the following . Did you know ....

- they also found in Puerto Rico

- was introduced in Hawaii where it now seems to be extinct

- the Pin-tailed Whydah parasitizes other birds, especially the Common Waxbill.

I found this nice little video showing a Pin-tailed Whydah sitting in a branch.

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