GAMBIA BIRD SPECIES

Exclamatory Paradise Whydah

Vidua interjecta

Overview

A breeding male Exclamatory Paradise Whydah is among The Gambia’s most extravagant birds. Its enormously elongated black tail transforms a small finch-like bird into a floating silhouette above the grass.

Identification

The male in breeding plumage has a black head and back, rich chestnut breast, pale belly and four long tail feathers. Females and non-breeding males are brown and streaked, resembling other whydahs and indigobirds.

Habitat and behaviour

It inhabits open grassland, savannah and cultivated country. Males perform conspicuous display flights, while females lay their eggs in the nests of specific firefinches, whose calls and mouth patterns their young mimic.

Birdwatching in The Gambia

The species is most rewarding where inland grasslands and host firefinches occur, particularly during the breeding season when males carry full tails. Away from that period identification can be much more difficult.

Field note

Season and plumage are central to planning. Lamin Jobaate can advise on likely conditions, recognize display areas and separate this species from other long-tailed whydahs in The Gambia.

Plan your birdwatching tour: Ask Lamin Jobaate about a private itinerary for this species and The Gambia’s other outstanding birds.