Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Free State · Best Mar to May
3 places
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Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes ardens
The red-collared widowbird (Euplectes ardens) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
Species insights
When to visit
Most records Nov to Mar
When Red-collared Widowbird sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Best monthsNov to Mar
Records671 records
Curve from 671 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
Where you'll find it
Gauteng and beyond
Provinces where Red-collared Widowbird is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
671 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the Red-collared Widowbird
Stays that give back
Across the Free State
Golden Gate Hotel And Chalets
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
From R 1,741a night
Red-collared Widowbird recorded here
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
From R 339a night
Red-collared Widowbird recorded here
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
From R 2,160a night
Red-collared Widowbird recorded here
More stays nearby
Mvemve GrootPoort Lodge
Memel
From R 1,800a night
Birder friendly
Adamsview
Gariep Dam
From R 1,000a night
Highland Quarters
Clarens
From R 1,390a night
Kasteelkop Guest Farm
Frankfort
From R 640a night
Birder friendly
Monte Bello Estate
Vaalbank, Bloemfontein
From R 1,850a night
Mont d'Or Clarens
Clarens
From R 1,100a night
Liedjiesbos Urban Olive Farm
Bloemfontein
From R 1,700a night
Birder friendly
Camelroc Guest Farm
Caledonspoort, Fouriesburg
From R 1,000a night
Merino Guest Farm
Clarens
From R 900a night
The Midlands
Next stop
Rolling green hills, dairy farms, and pottery studios
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Red-collared Widowbird
Hosts have recorded the Red-collared Widowbird at stays in or beside Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
Ways to look
Drive yourself
Your own vehicle and pace, on the park's roads.
Where hosts record it
Species
Euplectes ardens
Records
671
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Red-collared Widowbird on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Red-collared Widowbird in Free State?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Red-collared Widowbird at stays in or beside Golden Gate Highlands National Park. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Red-collared Widowbird in South Africa?
The Red-collared Widowbird is most recorded in Gauteng (40% of records), KwaZulu-Natal (33% of records), Mpumalanga (15% of records), based on 671 iNaturalist observations. 3 places to stay on Spekboom in Free State have recorded the Red-collared Widowbird on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the Red-collared Widowbird?
Sightings of the Red-collared Widowbird peak from Nov to Mar, based on 671 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the Red-collared Widowbird?
The red-collared widowbird (Euplectes ardens) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. Red-collared widowbirds are found in grasslands and bush clearings in Eastern and Southern Africa. They are known for their long tails and brilliant red badges, both which act as sexual ornaments. They are often associated with other widowbird and bishop species.