About Euplectes capensis (Linnaeus, 1766)
The yellow bishop, scientifically known as Euplectes capensis (Linnaeus, 1766), is a stocky bird that measures 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in length. Breeding males have mostly black plumage, with bright yellow colouration on their lower back, rump, and shoulder patches, along with brown edging along their wing feathers. They have a short crest, a thick conical black bill, and a relatively short tail. Bill size varies noticeably between different races of the species. When in non-breeding plumage, the original black plumage is replaced by heavily streaked buffy-brown colour, and the bill becomes pale. The yellow shoulders and rump are retained even in non-breeding plumage, and this feature distinguishes non-breeding males from females, who lack these contrasting colour patches. Juvenile and female yellow bishops are famously difficult to identify in the field, as they look identical to juveniles and females of several other bishop and widowbird species, as well as some seedeaters. During the breeding season, yellow bishops are usually solitary or found in pairs. In the non-breeding season, this species is gregarious, and often forms flocks with other mixed species of Euplectes. Their diet consists of seeds, grain, and some insects.
