Unknown species at Wakkerstroom, South Africa, March 2025 (2 Viewers)

[PanamaSept12]

Hi all,

After having my bird guide cancel during the Wakkerstroom trip, I went out on my own. I'd highly appreciate your views on the below species. Many thanks in advance!
It was at the lark loop, just north of Wakkerstroom town, in early March 2025.

 

[Muppit17]

Hi all,

After having my bird guide cancel during the Wakkerstroom trip, I went out on my own. I'd highly appreciate your views on the below species. Many thanks in advance!
It was at the lark loop, just north of Wakkerstroom town, in early March 2025.

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It looks like on of the Euplectes species, which are notoriously difficult.


There are six or so in the Wakkerstroom area Despite the amount of white in the wing, I don't think it is White Winged Widowbird


Most of the plumages in most of the species have a hint of yellow or red in the wings, but I noticed that this bird has neither. I am tempted to say Red-collared Widowbird, but without conviction.

 

[James Jobling]

The euplectids/viduids are notoriously difficult. Based on the excellent Faansie Peacock, 2012, Chamberlain's LBJs, pp. 298-327, I incline towards non-breeding/transitional Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura (pinkish red bill, extensive white in wings, range), but could be persuaded otherwise.

 

[THE_FERN]

The euplectids/viduids are notoriously difficult. Based on the excellent Faansie Peacock, 2012, Chamberlain's LBJs, pp. 298-327, I incline towards non-breeding/transitional Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura (pinkish red bill, extensive white in wings, range), but could be persuaded otherwise.

That was my first thought. However, the facial pattern (no evidence of dark patterning) and bill shape (too long) are surely wrong.

I didn't respond initially as I couldn't choose between the other possibilities

 

[James Jobling]

Certainly the face/head pattern is but feebly marked, but I am still drawn to the bold pink bill. None of the widowbirds Euplectes have pink bills, and the only alternatives are Pin-tailed Whydah and Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia (out of range, but vagrants have occurred in neighbouring KwaZulu Natal).

 

[THE_FERN]

Certainly the face/head pattern is but feebly marked, but I am still drawn to the bold pink bill. None of the widowbirds Euplectes have pink bills, and the only alternatives are Pin-tailed Whydah and Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia (out of range, but vagrants have occurred in neighbouring KwaZulu Natal).

Depending on image, the bill appears from pink to straw coloured to greyish. I don't think it's especially pink, not as much as typical pin-tailed. That would be obviously pink under any lighting