The term “Zulu bird” refers to a bird found in the grasslands of southern Africa, a creature renowned for a remarkable appearance that has captured the attention of observers. The name suggests a deep cultural link to the region, connecting people and the natural world. This bird is a distinct presence in its environment, leaving a lasting impression.
Identifying the Zulu Bird
The bird known as the “Zulu bird” is scientifically identified as the Long-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes progne). This species is a striking example of sexual dimorphism, where males and females have different appearances. During the breeding season, the male transforms into an entirely black bird with bright red and white shoulder patches, known as epaulets. Most notably, he grows a tail that can measure over half a meter, significantly longer than his body.
This breeding attire is a stark contrast to the female and the non-breeding male. The female is small and sparrow-like, with streaky, buff and black plumage that allows her to blend into the grassland environment. Her bill is a muted horn color, unlike the breeding male’s whitish-blue bill. Non-breeding males resemble the females, shedding their long tails for a cryptic, brown appearance, though they are larger and retain their shoulder patches.
Habitat and Geographic Range
The Long-tailed Widowbird is linked to open grassy landscapes. Its preferred habitats are grasslands, savannas, and agricultural lands that provide the tall grasses necessary for nesting and cover. The species thrives in areas along watercourses or in marshy depressions where the vegetation is dense, using the landscape for both sustenance and reproduction.
The species has distinct populations across several parts of Africa. One population is located in the highlands of Kenya. Another stretches from Angola and Zambia into the southern Democratic Republic of Congo. The third is concentrated in southern Africa, found across the eastern half of South Africa, Lesotho, and parts of Botswana and Eswatini.
The Significance of the Long Tail
The male Long-tailed Widowbird’s tail is a central feature in sexual selection, as females choose mates based on the quality and length of these feathers. The tail serves as an “honest signal” of a male’s fitness, indicating his genetic strength, health, and ability to survive. A long, well-maintained tail demonstrates that the male is robust enough to find food and evade predators despite the significant aerodynamic handicap the tail creates.
During the breeding season, males establish and defend territories, using fence posts or termite mounds as perches to display themselves. From these points, they perform a laborious flight display with slow, deep wing beats, allowing their long tails to droop behind them. This energetically expensive performance is aimed at attracting females. A male may mate with up to five females who choose to build their nests within his territory, a testament to the power of his display.
Cultural Connection and Naming
The name “Zulu bird” is a direct reference to the bird’s prevalence within the historical heartland of the Zulu people in South Africa. Its visibility in the open grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal makes it a familiar part of the local fauna. In the isiZulu language, the bird is known as “Sakabuli,” a name that is also sometimes used in English. The male’s breeding plumage and flight have cemented its place in the region’s cultural landscape.
This connection is a matter of recognition as well as geography. The Sakabuli is a well-known feature of the ecosystem, and its local name reflects a long-standing relationship between the bird and the people who have lived alongside it. Its presence is woven into the environment, making “Zulu bird” a fitting descriptor of its place in the area’s heritage.