Northern Red Bishop – Euplectes franciscanus

Another unusual bird in Southern California is the Northern Red Bishop. There were several sightings of this species in at least two different places: the ponds south of Eaton Canyon Park in Pasadena, and at the Santa Fe Dam. Those in the former were more skittish and preferred to stay at a distance. It was at Santa Fe that I had close encounters with this very colorful bird. I was looking for the Clay-colored Sparrows when I heard a commotion behind me. I turned and was surprised (shocked would be a better description) to find the bright red male Bishop staring at me.

Northern Red Bishops are native of central Africa. South of the equator, they are replaced by the aptly named but similarly plumaged Southern Red Bishop. The population in the Los Angeles area probably was a result of some escaped cage birds settling in the areas mentioned above. Males have gorgeously red and black pinata-like feathers while females are drab brown and can easily be mistaken for a sparrow.

Northern Red Bishop – Euplectes franciscanus – male
Santa Fe Dam, Irwindale, California
October 1, 2008

Canon 40D, 300mm+1.4X (420mm) handheld
ISO-400, 1/400, f7.1

Northern Red Bishop – Euplectes franciscanus – female
Santa Fe Dam, Irwindale, California
December, 30, 2008

Canon 40D, 300mm+1.4X (420mm) handheld
ISO-320, 1/500, f8