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Webster 1913 Edition


Whidah bird

Whid′ah birdˊ

,
(Zool.)
Any one of several species of finchlike birds belonging to the genus
Vidua
, native of Asia and Africa. In the breeding season the male has very long, drooping tail feathers. Called also
vida finch
,
whidah finch
,
whydah bird
,
whydah finch
,
widow bird
, and
widow finch
.
☞ Some of the species are often kept as cage birds, especially
Vidua paradisea
, which is dark brownish above, pale buff beneath, with a reddish collar around the neck.