Habitat:
wet grasslands, marshes, agricultural areas

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The Yellow-shouldered Widowbird is a small bird from the Ploceidae family, predominantly found in the humid regions of sub-Saharan Africa. This passerine is notable for the male's glossy black plumage with striking yellow shoulder patches, while the female is more subdued in brown tones. Males are particularly eye-catching during the breeding season, displaying long tail feathers to attract females. They live in flocks and are often seen in wet grasslands, marshes, and agricultural areas. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, but they also eat insects. Although their population is stable, habitat destruction remains a potential threat.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the Yellow-shouldered Widowbird, it's recommended to use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture the details of its plumage without disturbing it. Opt for early morning or late afternoon hours to take advantage of soft lighting. Be patient and discreet, maintaining a distance of at least 10 m to avoid scaring it. A tripod can be helpful to stabilize the camera, especially if using slower shutter speeds.