They are polygamous, where males acquisition of territory is an important determinant in their access to mates.They feed on seeds of sorghum and other grass seeds. They also feed on nectar, small berries, and insects, specifically ants, caterpillars, and termites.
During non-breeding seasons, the male plumage is brown, while in
breeding season, October to April, they have black plumage with a long
tail, approximately 22 cm, and crescent –shaped carotenoid based chest
patch. There is significant variation in brightness, hue, and chroma of
the carotenoid badges. In contrast, females and sub adults, like non breeding males, are streaky dull brown with a short tail, approximately 4 cm. Non breeding males, however, retain their black tails, while females and sub adults’ tails are dark-brown. The tails and plumage are the bird’s sexual ornaments. Interestingly, although the males have a brilliant red collar in breeding plumage, females choose their mates based solely by tail length, not on the intensity of the red neck collar.
Males typically construct several nests by weaving grasses into a ball-like structure that dangles from the underside of thin tree branches, and entice the females into breeding with them based on her assessment the quality of his work.However, the females build and position the actual nests.
Typical of polygynous species, male
red-collared widowbirds do not provide parental care. In fact, the only
resources males provide are potential nest sites in their territories.
spotted at Dedan Kimathi University conservancy
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