The village indigobird or steelblue widowfinch (Vidua chalybeata) is named for its deep blue / black colour and its tendency towards human habitation. It is a brood parasite which lays its eggs in the nests of red-billed firefinches. The nestling indigobirds mimic the unique gape pattern of the fledglings of the host species. Many indigobirds are similar – its association with its host species, the red-billed firefinch, and its presence near human habitation are useful pointers. It is a resident breeding bird in most of Africa south of the Sahara Desert.
