Euplectes progne
These common widowbirds can’t be missed in summer, when their drab brown appearance transforms into a magnificent display of black, white and red. The long-tailed males can be seen flying awkwardly over their grassland habitats, as they defend their territory and drag along their 20cm long tail feathers.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve near Irene and Marievale Bird Sanctuary near Nigel are excellent spots to photograph these majestic birds.
