20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (FEMALE) (Euplectes orix)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13962-Euplectes-orix

24-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (FEMALE) (Euplectes orix)

24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (FEMALE) (Euplectes orix)

The Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) is a vibrant, small passerine bird, a member of the weaver family Ploceidae. It is known for its striking sexual dimorphism, with breeding males adorned in a fiery red and black plumage, while females and non-breeding males display a more subdued, streaky brown appearance.

Breeding males are unmistakable with their rich red and black coloration. They have a black face, throat, and belly, with the rest of the body a brilliant red, except for the brown wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are paler and streaked brown, with the females being slightly smaller in size. The species is characterized by a thick conical bill, ideal for seed consumption.

The Southern Red Bishop thrives in wetlands and grasslands within Africa south of the Equator. It has a preference for areas near water, such as reeds and sedges, and can also be found in agricultural landscapes like sugar cane fields.

This species is widely distributed across the southern and eastern regions of Africa, ranging from South Africa to Angola, and extending to parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya. It avoids arid zones such as the Namib Desert and Kalahari.

The Southern Red Bishop is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks and nesting in colonies. It is polygynous, with males courting multiple females by constructing several nests and performing elaborate display flights. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, supplemented by insects.

The male's song is a distinctive buzzing sound, while the species also emits various twittering calls and a nasal contact call, facilitating communication within flocks.

During the breeding season, males exhibit their prowess by building multiple nests to attract females and engaging in fluffed-up feather displays. The nests are typically woven among reeds using grasses and other plant materials. Females lay two to four eggs per clutch.

The Southern Red Bishop feeds predominantly on seeds, with a partiality for grass seeds. It also consumes insects, particularly during the breeding season when additional protein is beneficial.