The Pin-Tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura) is a common, widespread Sub-Saharan African bird.

The Pin-Tailed Whydah has a red beak, black cap and face, white collar and underparts, with black upperparts. It has a long white wing patch and white rump. It has an extremely long black tail, with four tail feathers.

Pin-Tailed Whydah

It can grow to 33 centimetres (13 inches) tall.

The Pin-Tailed Whydah likes forests and wooded savannahs.

It does not build a nest. It uses the nest of other birds, such as waxbills and finches. Females lay only one egg.

Pin-Tailed Whydah

Pin-Tailed Whydah

Pin-Tailed Whydah

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM