I’m excited to share with you a glimpse into a fascinating aspect of Southern Africa’s rich biodiversity: birds with long, flamboyant tails. These birds are not just a treat for the eyes; their extended plumage plays a crucial role in their survival and mating strategies.

In this overview, I’ll set the groundwork for what to expect as we explore the varied species that flaunt these impressive tails in countries from South Africa to Angola, and beyond.

Diverse Avian Splendors: A List of 11 Long-Tailed Birds

The southern regions of Africa boast an extraordinary array of bird species distinguished by their elegant, lengthy tails.

Beyond their aesthetic splendor, these tails often serve essential functions ranging from aerial acrobatics to intricate courtship displays.

Here’s an enthralling overview:

THE AFRICAN PARADISE FLYCATCHER – Terpsiphone viridis

With tails that could rival the ribbons of rhythmic gymnasts, these beauties flutter across several southern African skies, their distinctive streamers in tow.

While numerous flycatcher species exist, this undoubtedly reigns supreme in beauty, thanks in part to the male’s breathtakingly long tail.

In the table below, I have all the features of this tropical bird summarized for you.

Feature	Description
Colors	Male: black, iridescent head, bold chestnut upperparts, and greyish underparts. A Blue bill and eye-ring complete his stunning ensemble. Female: More understated than her male counterpart, she sports a blend of browns and greys throughout, with a darker brown head and shorter tail.
Size	Length: 18–22 cm (7.1–8.7 in)
Weight	Approximately 8-12 grams (0.28-0.42 oz)
Tail Length	Average tail length: Around 30-35 cm (11.8-13.8 inches)( , thin and delicate
Countries	Found in various countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat	Tropical and subtropical forests, often near water sources such as rivers or streams. They prefer dense vegetation for nesting and hunting insects.
Eating habits	Primarily insectivorous, feeding on flying insects like flies, moths, and beetles. May also eat berries and small fruits.
Mating rituals	The male performs elaborate courtship displays, including aerial acrobatics and displaying its long tail feathers. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs alone.
Conservation status	Generally not globally threatened (Least Concern), but some populations may be declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

THE SHAFT-TAILED WHYDAH – Vidua regia

Their striking tail feathers, which can grow several times the length of their bodies during the breeding season, are nothing short of a spectacle. Spotted in open grasslands and savannas, Whydahs are a dance of evolution. Shaft-tailed Whydah flits around, another example of a long-tailed avian. Uniquely, this bird prefers taller trees, rarely seen on the ground unless it’s foraging for seeds.

Feature	Description
Colors	Male (breeding): Black body with yellowish-buff on chest and belly, white wing patches with white wing patches and red bill. Long, black tail during breeding season. Male (non-breeding & female): Brownish-gray with streaked patterns.
Size	11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 in) length
Weight	12-18 grams (0.42-0.63 oz)
Tail Length	Male (breeding): Up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long tail. Male (non-breeding & female): Short tail.
Countries	Sub-Saharan Africa (except Congo Basin and western Angola). Introduced populations in other regions.
Habitat	Open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas with tall grasses for nesting and open spaces for displays.
Eating Habits	Omnivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, insects, and occasionally small fruits. Males may engage in kleptoparasitism by stealing food from other birds.
Mating Rituals	Males perform elaborate aerial displays with long tail feathers to attract females. Polygynous, mating with multiple females.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally. Localized threats due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Introduced populations require separate assessments.

THE MAGPIE SHRIKE – Urolestes Melanoleucus.

Recognizable by their elongated, iridescent tails, which they use deftly for communication and balance, magpie shrikes are a common sight in woodland areas.

Feature	Description
Colors	Adult: Glossy black head and mantle, white scapulars, V-shaped greyish-white rump, black wings with white markings. Female: Additional white patch on flanks. Immature: Browner and duller with buffy-white areas and dark brown underparts with white-tipped feathers.
Size	24-28 cm (9.4-11.0 in) length
Weight	70-100 grams (2.5-3.5 oz)
Tail Length	Long, graduated tail
Countries	Eastern and southeastern Africa, in dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Habitat	Open savanna, sparse broadleaf woodland, sometimes disturbed areas with Acacia tree stands.
Eating Habits	Carnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, lizards, and occasionally fruit.
Mating Rituals	Monogamous pairs perform synchronized displays with head-bowing and calling.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally, but populations may be declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

THE PIN-TAILED WHYDAH – Vidua macroura

Meet the Pin-tailed Whydah, a captivating songbird adorned with sleek black plumage and a captivating dance during the breeding season. But wait, there’s more to this fascinating avian artist than meets the eye! Let’s explore its characteristics in detail:

Feature	Description
Colors	Adult males present a black back and crown, coupled with a notably long black tail. Their wings display dark brown shades with distinctive white patches. Underparts and the head (excluding the crown) are predominantly white. The bill stands out with its bright red coloration. In contrast, females and non-breeding males feature streaked brown upperparts and whitish underparts with buff flanks. They exhibit a buff and black facial pattern. Immature birds resemble females but with less prominent markings and a subtler, greyish bill.
Size	10-13 cm (3.9-5.1 in) length
Weight	8-12 grams (0.28-0.42 oz)
Tail Length	Male (breeding): Up to 20 cm long pin-shaped tail feathers.
Countries	Sub-Saharan Africa (except for the Congo Basin and western Angola). Introduced populations exist in other regions.
Habitat	Open grasslands, savannas, and agricultural areas with tall grasses for nesting and open spaces for displays.
Eating Habits	Primarily seed-eaters, feeding on grass seeds and grains. May also consume insects occasionally.
Mating Rituals	Males perform elaborate aerial displays with long tail feathers to attract females. Polygynous, mating with multiple females.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally. However, habitat loss and fragmentation in their native range may pose localized threats. Introduced populations may face different conservation challenges.

THE LONG-TAILED PARADISE WHYDAH –Vidua paradisaea

Sporting a spectacular tail that’s several times its body length, it’s unmissable during the breeding season. Native to southern regions, this bird shows a stark contrast in color, with a vivid black and white body. Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a lush oasis in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, is a paradise for the Long-tailed Paradise Whydah.

So, without further ado, let’s delve into its characteristics:

Feature	Description
Colors	Male (breeding): Black body with contrasting white patches on shoulders and wings, red bill. During breeding season, develops incredibly long black tail feathers. Male (non-breeding & female): Black and white contrasting head pattern, brownish-gray upperparts, and buffy-white underparts.
Size	11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 in) length
Weight	12-18 grams (0.42-0.63 oz)
Tail Length	Male (breeding): Up to 30 cm (11.8 in) long tail feathers. Male (non-breeding & female): Short tail.
Countries	Sub-Saharan Africa (except for the Congo Basin and western Angola).
Habitat	Savannas, open woodlands, grasslands, and cultivated areas with scattered trees or shrubs.
Eating Habits	Primarily seed-eaters, feeding on grass seeds and grains. May also consume insects occasionally.
Mating Rituals	Males perform elaborate aerial displays with long tail feathers to attract females. Polygynous, mating with multiple females.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally. However, habitat loss and fragmentation may pose localized threats.

Want to find the best binoculars for a safari? Check out my blog post here!

THE FAMOUS CAPE SUGARBIRD – Promerops cafer

Now, the Cape Sugarbird I have talked about before, because it has a glamorous reputation that everybody wants to know about 😉

Feature	Description
Colors	Greyish-brown above with a yellow undertail. Males boast long, wire-like tail feathers and bold moustache-like stripes on their faces. Females and young birds lack these distinguishing features.
Size	20-24 cm (7.9-9.4 in) length
Weight	35-45 grams (1.2-1.6 oz)
Tail Length	Males: Up to 30 cm (11.8 in) long. Females and young birds: Shorter tail.
Countries	Endemic to South Africa, found in mountain fynbos regions of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
Habitat	Mature mountain fynbos with abundant flowering Protea plants, their primary food source.
Eating Habits	Nectar specialist, using their long, curved beak and brush-tipped tongue to extract nectar from Protea flowers. May also consume spiders and insects occasionally.
Mating Rituals	Males sing complex songs and display their long tails to attract females. Monogamous pairs cooperate in raising their young.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally, but vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation due to development and fire.

THE WHITE HEADED MOUSEBIRD – Colius leucocephalus

Behold the White-headed Mousebird, a captivating avian resident of East Africa, adorned with a unique crest and distinctive call. Here’s a peek into its world:

Feature	Description
Colors	Primarily greyish-brown with bold black and white barring on the back, neck, and breast. Head features a striking white crest, crown, and cheeks. Bill varies from pale blue-grey to dark grey with a black tip.
Size	32 cm (12.6 in) length, with the long, graduated tail accounting for over half of this.
Weight	50-60 grams (1.8-2.1 oz)
Tail Length	Long, graduated tail, exceeding half the body length.
Countries	Found only in eastern Africa, specifically southern Somalia, parts of Kenya, with its range just extending into southern Ethiopia and northern Tanzania.
Habitat	Inhabits arid bushland and thorn scrub at elevations up to 1,400 meters (4,593 ft).
Eating Habits	Primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits. May occasionally consume insects.
Mating Rituals	Monogamous pairs cooperate in building nests and raising young. Courtship displays involve mutual preening and vocalizations.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally, but populations could be impacted by habitat degradation and climate change.

BURCHELL’S COUCAL – Centropus burchellii

Burchell’s Coucal, named after the British naturalist William John Burchell, is a medium-sized bird found in sub-Saharan Africa. It’s renowned for its loud, distinctive calls that echo through the bushveld. Let’s explore its characteristics:

Feature	Description
Colors	Brownish-grey upperparts with faint barring. Distinct white chest patch. Underparts range from buff to rufous-brown, with females appearing brighter and having more prominent barring.
Size	48-53 cm (19-21 in) length
Weight	300-420 grams (10.6-14.8 oz)
Tail Length	Long, broad tail. The tail length could range from 16-25 cm (6.3-9.8 in).
Countries	Southern Malawi, southern Zambia, southern Zimbabwe, eastern Botswana, and South Africa. Two subspecies exist, with slightly different ranges.
Habitat	Dense scrub, thick undergrowth, riverine forests, and cultivated areas with tall vegetation.
Eating Habits	Predatory, feeding on insects, snails, amphibians, reptiles, and even small birds. Nests of other birds are often raided.
Mating Rituals	Males perform elaborate displays with raised and spread wings, tail fanning, and loud calls to attract females. Monogamous pairs cooperate in raising their young.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally, but populations may be declining due to habitat loss and degradation.

THE DRAKENSBERG ROCKJUMPER – Chaetops aurantius

The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, with its high-altitude grasslands, is a stage for the Drakensberg Rockjumper, its tail aiding in balance as it hops among the rocks. Let’s explore its unique characteristics in a table format:

Feature	Description
Colors	Male (breeding): Black head with white supercilium and moustache, orange underparts and rump, grey back and wings. Male (non-breeding & female): Grey head, upperparts, and wings, duller head pattern, orange rump, and buff underparts.
Size	23-25 cm (9.1-9.8 in) length
Weight	70-100 grams (2.5-3.5 oz)
Tail Length	Long, black tail
Countries	Endemic to South Africa, primarily found in the alpine grasslands and rock outcrops of the Drakensberg Mountains and Lesotho.
Habitat	Alpine grasslands, rocky slopes, and cliffs at high altitudes (2,000-3,400 meters).
Eating Habits	Insectivorous, feeding on insects and other invertebrates found on rocks and in short vegetation.
Mating Rituals	Males perform territorial displays with tail-spreading, calling, and bouncing movements to attract females. Monogamous pairs cooperate in raising young.
Conservation Status	Data suggests a moderately rapid decline, classified as Near Threatened due to habitat degradation and climate change.

LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER – Coracias caudatus

In Botswana’s woodlands, this bird hunts beetles and scorpions from its perch, illustrating its opportunistic feeding style.

Behold the Lilac-breasted Roller, a stunning bird captivating viewers with its vibrant palette and acrobatic displays. Let’s delve into its characteristics:

Feature	Description
Colors	Striking plumage with a diverse mix: Male (breeding): Green crown, rusty cheeks, lilac breast, black back and wings with white markings, turquoise rump, and dark blue tail. Female & Non-breeding male: Brownish-gray upperparts with streaking, lilac throat, and blue tail.
Size	32-38 cm (12.6-15.0 in) length
Weight	110-150 grams (3.9-5.3 oz)
Tail Length	Broad, forked tail
Countries	Eastern and southern Africa, with vagrant occurrences in the southern Arabian Peninsula.
Habitat	Open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands with scattered trees or perches.
Eating Habits	Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, grasshoppers, dragonflies, and other insects. May occasionally consume small reptiles and amphibians.
Mating Rituals	Elaborate aerial displays by males involving dives, rolls, and twists to attract females. Polygynous, mating with multiple females.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally, but localized threats exist due to habitat loss and degradation.

THE MEVES’S STARLING – Lamprotornis Mevesii

Mesmerize yourself with the captivating Meves’s Starling, an iridescent avian artist flitting across the African savannas. Prepare to be dazzled by its vibrant colors and captivating dance:

Feature	Description
Colors	Male (breeding): Glossy, iridescent blue-purple plumage with shimmering highlights. Develops incredibly long, graduated black tail feathers during breeding season. Male (non-breeding & female): Brownish-gray upperparts with faint metallic sheen, pale underparts, and shorter tails.
Size	22-25 cm (8.7-9.8 in) length
Weight	80-120 grams (2.8-4.2 oz)
Tail Length	Male (breeding): Up to 30 cm (11.8 in) long, graduated tail. Male (non-breeding & female): Short tails.
Countries	Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Habitat	Open savannas, preferring broadleaf woodlands like Miombo (brachystegia) and areas with baobabs.
Eating Habits	Primarily insectivorous, feeding on insects gleaned from the ground or caught in midair. May also consume fruits and seeds occasionally.
Mating Rituals	Males perform elaborate dances on the ground, displaying their long tails and iridescent plumage to attract females. Polygynous, mating with multiple females.
Conservation Status	Least Concern globally, but localized threats exist due to habitat loss and degradation.

Are you thinking about buying binoculars to have a good look at all the magnificent birds of Africa?

Conclusion: The Majestic Tails of Southern Africa

There is something magical about these types of birds with long tails in Southern Africa and also worldwide, so let’s try to conserve nature and respect it, agreed?

Thoughts about these magnificent birds and questions are more than welcome in the comment section below or you can also join me on my social media channels below for more pictures, videos, and stories of my African travels 😉

I wish you happy travels and birdwatching!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

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