Environment
Ethiopia's 'Meskel Bird' and its September Appearance
BBC · 4 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
AI SUMMARY
Ornithologist Yilma Delelegn explains that the 'Meskel bird' is not a seasonal migrant that disappears year-round, but a local resident whose plumage changes to bright colors during September's breeding season.
- The 'Meskel bird' is widely believed in Ethiopia to disappear for months and reappear specifically around September, inspiring the local idiom 'Why have you become a Meskel bird?' for someone who is long absent.
- Ornithologist Yilma Delelegn clarifies that these birds do not hide for months, but live among us throughout the year.
- The term 'Meskel bird' does not refer to a single species, but encompasses more than four different types of birds, including sparrows, and corresponds to English varieties like Indigobirds, Whydahs, Bishops, or Widowbirds.
- These birds become widely noticed in September because the rainy season ends, crops ripen, and it marks their breeding season.
- During the breeding season, male birds undergo a natural biological transformation where their plumage grows longer and turns bright, reflective colors to attract mates and signal territory.
- The lack of close observation of local birds during the rest of the year, combined with their striking new colors in September, creates the false impression that they are seasonal visitors.
- Meskel birds are not annual visitors appearing only for the holiday, but permanent local residents whose physical appearance changes naturally.
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