Pin-tailed Whydahs are becoming established in Orange County

A female Pin-tailed Whydah visits a back yard in Mission Viejo yesterday.  

Photo by J.J. Meyer

The striking red-orange beak makes it easy to distinguish it as a Pin-tailed Whydah.  

The Pin-tailed Whydah is an exotic bird originating from south of the Sahara brought into the United States as part of the pet trade.  Apparently, they don't take kindly to being kept in cages and escape whenever the opportunity arises.  They're becoming established here in Orange County.  

The male Pin-tailed Whydah is black and white with a red-orange beak and a LONG black tail.

Happy Birding!
J.J.