The Jackson’s Widowbird (Euplectes jacksoni) is a small bird in the Ploceidae family – related to weaver birds.
The Jackson’s Widowbird is black with a long tail. Females are brown-black with a shorter tail. It has a pale beak and light-grey legs.
Jackson’s Widowbird
It grows to about 25 centimetres (10 inches) long. The tail on the male is about 22 centimetres (8.5 inches) long.
The Jackson’s Widowbird is found in Kenya and Tanzania in east Africa. It prefers tropical or sub-tropical grasslands,
It feeds on seeds, such as grass seeds. It also feeds on insects, ants, termites, berries, and nectar from flowers.
The Jackson’s Widowbird lives in flocks of about 50 individuals. They feed together on the ground. Males are territorial, defending the area from intruders.
Its nest is oval-shaped on the ground, and is lined with grass. Females lay 2-4 eggs. Only the female sits on the eggs, which hatch after 12-15 days. Females feed her chicks for 14-17 days, then she leaves her chicks to look after themselves.
Jackson’s Widowbird
Jackson’s Widowbird
Jackson’s Widowbird
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM