Orange Bishop: Beautiful Weaver, Native to Africa, Calls, Weave, Feed, and Mating Ritual (Birding28)

The male Orange Bishop has a strikingly beautiful look, and very photogenic in breeding plumage. Native to Africa, this exotic bird was once traded into the US to be caged pet birds. Over the years, the escapees are now thriving in different places near coastal areas in Southern California.
During their breeding season (around June through November), the male is un-mistakable identified by his look and sounds. The female looks pretty much like a Savana sparrow year-round. Outside their breeding season, the male looks just like a female, non-aggressive, and quiet.
According to the Finch Information Center, under 2 years of age, transitioning males color partially. They engage in hissing and practice building nests. However, they don't actually breed until they are adults.
We have been seeing them feeding heavily on all kind of small seeds. Some of the times, we see them foraging seeds on the ground. Some other times, they pick seeds directly on the flower stems.
If you look at the shape and the size of the wings compare to the body, the speed, and the way it moves through the air, you know it is not a migratory bird.
The male is polygynous and would defend his territory fiercely. He spends lots of time perching on branches to monitor the surrounding. He has very unique ways of displaying. He puffs his beautiful feathers to look bigger. He raises his chess to look taller. He hisses in hi-pitch sounds like a snake probably to defend his territory. He sings and flaps his wings to attract the females.
These male notices a female landed nearby. He flies over and begins courtship ritual.
The male does the original weaving for the nest. Later, the females add in her choice of nesting materials.
This is why we love birdwatching. On the field, we thought a female was weaving her nest. At home, after some research, things don't add up well. Thus, we go back on the field for more watching until we satisfy with our findings.
The female incubates, feeds, and raises the chicks by herself.
Do you know:
Birds have developed a fascinating adaptation known as "peeking" while sleeping. They open one eye intermittently and keep only half of the brain active to monitor their surroundings. Peeking allows them saving energy while staying vigilant to potential threats.
Reference:
1. The Orange (Red Bishop) Weaver, Finch Information Center, www.finchinfo.c...
2. Why Do Birds Sleep With One Eye Open?, BirdSpot, www.birdspot.c...
Photos and video by Elizabeth Ho and Thien an Nguyen ‪@a_figure_skater_family‬

[@mariadefatima6469]

I have a Male in my aviary but he is trouble with other birds but beautifull

[@a_figure_skater_family]

Maria,
1. Thanks for leaving a comment! I enjoy reading whatever people have, like, or enjoy!
2. Yes. He is beautiful. I'm thinking of an aviary for a pair of Orange Bishops + a pair of Zebra Finches + a pair of Lady Gouldian Finches. Do you have or know if they get along?
3. What breed is the dark chocolate sit behind the German shepherd? He/she looks like a bear! So cute!