How Do You Spell WHYDAH?

Pronunciation: [wˈa͡ɪdə] (IPA)

The word "whydah" is a bit of an enigma when it comes to spelling. It is actually pronounced /ˈwɪdə/ or "wid-uh", but its spelling doesn't quite reflect that. The reason for this is because "whydah" is actually a corruption of the word "widow." The bird called the whydah, which the word is often used to describe, was given this name because its long tail feathers resemble the widow's weeds worn by grieving widows. So while the spelling of "whydah" may not make perfect sense, its origins certainly do.

WHYDAH Meaning and Definition

1. A whydah is a noun referring to a type of songbird belonging to the genus Vidua in the family Viduidae, endemic to Africa. The name "whydah" is derived from the city of Ouidah in Benin, West Africa, which served as a trading center in the 18th and 19th centuries. This bird is known for its unique breeding behavior, whereby the males exhibit remarkable plumage during the breeding season.

   Whydahs are generally small to medium-sized birds, varying in size from 9 to 17 centimeters in length. They are characterized by their long, slender tails, and both males and females have curved bills. However, the distinguishing feature of male whydahs is their ornate breeding plumage, which consists of vibrant colors and elongated feathers. This extravagant appearance aids in attracting mates during courtship displays.

   These birds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, particularly waxbills and estrildid finches. The whydah eggs mimic the appearance of the host species' eggs, ensuring that the host bird will incubate and raise the whydah chicks. This reproductive strategy allows whydahs to focus solely on mating rather than the time-consuming process of raising their own offspring.

   The whydah is not only admired for its unique breeding behavior but also for its melodious song. The male whydah uses its attractive call to establish territorial boundaries and attract females. The song is characterized by a mix of clear tones, trills, and short lyrical phrases.

   In conclusion, whydahs are a diverse group of birds native to Africa, known for their striking appearance, parasitic reproductive behavior, and melodious songs.

Common Misspellings for WHYDAH

• qhydah
• ahydah
• shydah
• ehydah
• 3hydah
• 2hydah
• wgydah
• wbydah
• wnydah
• wjydah
• wuydah
• wyydah
• whtdah
• whgdah
• wh7dah
• wh6dah
• whysah
• whyxah
• swhydah
• whylah

Etymology of WHYDAH

The word "whydah" has an interesting etymology. It can refer to two different things: a type of bird and a historical port city. The etymology of "whydah" for both cases has different origins.

1. Bird: The term "whydah" comes from the name of a town in West Africa called Ouidah (also spelled Whydah, Juda, or Judah) located in present-day Benin. This town was a major center of the Atlantic slave trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is believed that European traders encountered a bird with long tail feathers in the region and associated it with the name of the town. Thus, the bird was named after Ouidah or Whydah, and it has been known as the "whydah bird" ever since.

Similar spelling word for WHYDAH

• whidah.

Plural form of WHYDAH is WHYDAHS