Metamorphosis to impress a lady…

Green season, breeding season for many birds! Here we go with a spotlight on a small bird, called the long-tailed paradise whydah. This small bird transforms, sometimes more than once a year, from his quite inconspicuous looks to outright flamboyant. Usually, the whydahs look like ordinary sparrows with short tails during the non-breeding season. This all changes when breeding season arrives. During this time, the males molt into breeding plumage where they have one distinctive feature, which is their long tail. It can grow up to three times longer than its own body or even more (up to 36cm). With its bold new looks the paradise whydah makes his moves to court, while also mimicking songs of other bird species, so females can use that to discover their mate. The male adds some acrobatic moves in flight, making a display to not only impress the females, but also to show off to other males. Anything to please and make an impression on the female. After breeding season, the male whydah molts to go back to its rather average appearance. Mission accomplished! If you would like to be a part of our conservation efforts, do call on us. For discreet information on share sales, contact generalmanager@limpopo-lipadi.org. To book a safari, request our rates via reservations@limpopo-lipadi.org or via WhatsApp: (+267) 76770191.