Long-Tailed Widowbird, Lake Nakuru Kenya

The Long-Tailed Widowbird's courtship plumage proves particularly non-aerodynamic. Females are a quarter of the male's tail-inclusive length, are streaked brown & black & have no problems flying...

Long-Tailed Widowbird- Nakuru, Kenya

Taken this weekend in Lake Nakuru Park, this Long-Tailed Widowbird has, to me, always been associated with unspoilt tall grasslands. During mating season when not dragging it's outrageous tail around just above grass-top height (often hovering against a mild headwind), it can be seen briefly as it reapeatedly leaps into the air a foot or two above the grasses- packing down a ring-shaped dance floor in the process.