The PARADISE WIDOW BIRD (_Vidua paradisea_) is black upon the head, back,
and tail, brilliant red upon the nape and lower parts of the body. The
plumage of the female is brownish yellow upon the head, the bridles and
two lines upon the top of the head being black, the breast rose colour,
as are the borders of the black wings. The length of the body is about
five and three-quarter inches, the tail eleven and a quarter inches, its
breadth nine and a half inches, and the wing two inches. The female is
somewhat smaller than her mate.
[Illustration: THE PARADISE WIDOW BIRD (_Vidua paradisea_).]
The Paradise Widow Birds are found principally in the thinly-wooded
forests of Africa, and appear to avoid the vicinity of man, flying about
woodland districts in pairs or in small parties. Their gala dress is
donned during the rainy season, and is retained for about four months.
The process of moulting occupies but a very short time, and the long
tail-feathers grow with great rapidity. They are often brought to Europe
in considerable numbers, and are sometimes known under the name of "Birds
of Paradise." The song of this species is extremely simple, but not
unpleasing; it is never heard except during the period of incubation, and
ceases when the beauty of the plumage has disappeared.