The Red-billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) is the world’s most abundant bird species, with an estimated adult breeding population of 1.5 billion. It is a small passerine bird of the weaver family Ploceidae, native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are found in grasslands, savannas and other open areas. Their main food is grass seeds. When large flocks of birds descend upon cereal crops such as sorghum or millet, they can quickly strip fields bare. This behaviour of crop-raiding has earned them the dramatic name ” Feathered Locusts”, highlighting their impact on agriculture in some parts.
These birds are even more interesting because of their social nesting behaviour. The Red-billed Queleas do not just nest in a few places, but they create huge breeding colonies that cover entire trees and landscapes. One tree can house up to 6,00 nests in the breeding season. Birdwatchers will be amazed by these densely packed colonies. They can raise their chicks synchronously and are protected from predators by living in communal colonies. It’s a wonderful experience to see one of these colonies at work.
Behaviour
The Red-billed Queleas move in huge flocks, which can reach millions. The dense, fast-moving flocks feed, roost and fly in tight formation to create a dramatic, “smoking” effect in the skies. The birds are constantly moving, travelling between feeding sites, waterholes and roosting areas every day. They need to drink twice a day and gather in large groups near water. They are mainly nomadic and closely tied to food and rainfall.
Characteristics
Red-billed Queleas grow to about 12.5 cm in length and weigh 15 to 20 g. During breeding, the male is distinguished by its more colourful plumage and red bill.
Breeding plumage in male queleas is unusually variable: comprised of a facial mask which ranges from black to white in colour, and breast and crown plumage which varies from yellowish to bright red.
For the rest of the year, the male plumage resembles that of the female, which is a cryptic beige colouration. The female’s bill is yellow during breeding, and red during the non-breeding season.
Habits
Red-billed Quelea live and breed in huge flocks, mostly in steppe and savanna regions, but not avoiding human settlements. While foraging for food, they may fly large distances each day without tiring. Their life expectancy is two to three years.
Reproduction
The breeding season begins with the seasonal rains, which arrive at different times in different parts of their range, starting at the north-western edge around the beginning of November.
The breeding males first weave half-complete ovoid nests from grass and straw. After the female has examined the construction and the mating has occurred, both partners complete the weaving of the nest.
The female lays two to four light blue eggs and incubates them for twelve days.
After the chicks hatch, they are nourished for some days with caterpillars and protein-rich insects.
After this time, parents change to mainly feeding seeds. The young birds fledge and become independent enough to leave their parents after approximately two weeks in the nest.
They are sexually mature after just one year, but many females die before this time, leaving many males without a partner.
Food
The food of the Red-billed Quelea consists of grass seeds and grain. As soon as the sun comes up, they come together in their huge flocks and cooperate in finding a suitable feeding place.
After a successful search, they settle rapidly and often cause serious damage to crops. According to eBird, this species is well documented.
In the middle part of the day, they rest in shady areas near water and spend the time preening. In the evening, they once again fly in search of food. According to BirdLife International, this species is well documented.
Their ability to find and use food quickly is crucial to their survival. They also feed efficiently because of their social foraging behaviour. After finding a suitable feeding area, they will work together, in large groups, to consume the plentiful seeds and grains. Especially in areas where rice, millet and other grains are grown, their foraging method can damage crops. They can cause significant damage to crops because they are so numerous and travel in large flocks.
During the midday pause, Red-billed Queleas not only maintain and care for their plumage, but they also communicate and socialise within their large flocks. They are known to rest in the shade under trees, shrubs or tall grasses. Resting helps birds conserve energy and prepare them for foraging later in the day.
Red-billed Queleas begin their search for food as the sun begins to set, especially in the evening, when the temperature is cooler. They can maximise their foraging before the night falls. Red-billed Queleas can meet their energy needs by foraging morning and evening.
While their feeding habits are crucial to their survival, they can also cause conflict with the local farmers. In agricultural areas, their tendency to strip grains from crops can cause economic losses. The Red-billed Quelea is a highly adaptable bird that can thrive in both natural landscapes and those modified by humans. It’s one of the most widespread and successful species of birds in Africa.
Breeding & Reproduction:
Red-billed Queleas breed during the rainy seasons when food is plentiful. Males and females are monogamous in breeding pairs. They court each other with elaborate songs and displays. After a pair is formed, the female will build a nest with the help of the male. Nests are built in trees or bushes using twigs and grasses. Nests are usually compact, bowl-shaped and hidden within dense vegetation. This is to protect eggs and chicks against predators.
Both parents incubate the eggs for 12-14 days. During this period, the male protects the nest while the female incubates eggs. Both parents feed the chicks seeds and invertebrates once they hatch. The chicks are very fast-growing and leave the nest in 12-15 days.
The young Red-billed Queleas stay with their parents after fledging for a brief period to learn how to forage for food and integrate themselves into the larger flock. The species usually raises between one and two broods a year, depending upon environmental conditions and the availability of food. If conditions are favourable, Red-billed Queleas may breed more than once in a single season.
Habitat
Red-billed Queleas thrive in open landscapes such as grasslands, savannas and dry thornvelds, often with scattered trees or bushes. The Red-billed Quelea is most common in semiarid regions and farmlands where it feeds on cereal crops. They can be found in many environments but their range is restricted by the need for a water surface, so they are more common near water sources. They are often influenced by rainfall and move to different areas in response to food and water.
Distribution
The distribution area of the Red-billed Quelea covers most of sub-Saharan Africa, excluding the rainforest areas and parts of South Africa.
They are regarded as pests by farmers because of their greed, and are often compared with locusts, which fall upon grain and rice fields.
Since they have hardly any natural enemies, their population is enormous, some 1.5 billion individuals.
Even extreme control measures such as dynamiting the nest colonies and the use of organophosphate poisons have not significantly reduced their numbers.
One of the few natural enemies is the crocodile, which lurks in the drinking places of the birds and may snatch several at an opportune moment.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). Quelea quelea. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
