Definition

Noun 1. A small, mostly black African songbird of the weaver family (Vidua): The whydah is known for the male's exceptionally long tail feathers during the breeding season. These birds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The male whydah displayed its spectacular tail to attract a mate.
  • We observed a flock of whydahs foraging for seeds on the ground.
  • The whydah is a fascinating example of brood parasitism in African birds.

Advanced Usage

• "Whydah finch": An alternative common name for birds in the genus, highlighting their finch-like appearance and behavior.
  • The pin-tailed whydah finch is a common sight in sub-Saharan Africa.

Variants and Related Words

• Widowbird (n): A common name for several species in the same genus (), often used interchangeably with "whydah."
  • The long-tailed widowbird is another well-known species.
• Parasitic weaver (n): A descriptive term referencing the bird's family (weaver) and its brood-parasitic behavior.

Synonyms

• Widowbird: A direct synonym for many species.
• Viduine (adj/n): A technical term relating to the genus .

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "whydah" refers specifically to this group of African birds. It is not commonly used with other meanings. The name is believed to be derived from "Whidah" (now Ouidah), a town in Benin, West Africa.

Noun

1. mostly black African weaverbird