Southern red bishop – facts, diet and habitat
The southern red bishop is a small, dumpy sparrow-like weaver.
The southern red bishop are often seen on the Amanzimtoti river near the civic centre. They are very common residents and the males are currently in transition from their winter plumage to the summer one.
They like rank grass, reedbeds, bullrushes and sedges in marshes, dams rivers, and also gardens and open grassland. They eat seeds and grain, but feed their young on insects.
ALSO READ: Tidy Towns cleans up Doonside
These bishops are highly gregarious at all times with non-breeding flocks numbering hundreds of birds. They forage on the ground, walking with short steps and will visit feed trays.
The males display from a perch or in flight by rapidly beating wings and with plumage puffed out. They often chase females and rival males.
Advertising males give a buzzing, chirping song and a “cheet – cheet” flight call.
Breeding season is October to April in KZN. The nest is a thin, walled, upright oval, woven with fine strips of grass, reeds and leaves. It has a side top porch entrance and built by the male. The female lines it with soft grass and flowers. The nest is attached to upright reed, grass or weed stems.
Between three and seven plain, greenish blue eggs are laid, sometimes by two females. Incubation and nestling period is 12 – 13 days with feeding done by female only.
The isiZulu name is iBomvana and in Afrikaans die rooivink.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
