widow bird

English

Etymology

Named after their usually black plumage. Possibly also because they are brood parasites.

Noun

widow bird (plural widow birds)

1. Any of several species of birds in the family Viduidae, incorporating whydahs and widow finches.

Synonyms

• sakabula bird
• kaffir finch

Translations

species

Zulu: sakabula

References

• 1978 A Dictionary of South African English. Ed. Jean Branford. Oxford.
• 1983 Newman's Birds of Southern Africa. Ed. Kennith Newman. Macmillan.