Writing Activities: Year 4

Widowbird

Widowbirds live in bush clearings and grasslands in eastern and southern Africa. When breeding, male widowbirds have very long tails, but when they are not breeding, they lose their long tails. Still, all year long, they have red and white badges on their wings. Females widowbirds, however, are brown and streaky, and do not have the male’s famous red and white marks.

In this clip, we will see two male widowbirds competing to attract a potential mate with their impressive jumping skills.

Literacy idea

Imagine you are a widowbird. You have just won the widowbirds’ Olympic gold medal for being the highest jumper – it’s an incredible achievement!

Write a winner’s acceptance speech for when you receive your medal. Remember to…

• Thank your supporters who have always believed in you
• Talk about your training – what have you done to prepare for the event?
• How did you feel before, during and after the event?
• What words of wisdom do you have for other widowbirds who would like to follow in your footsteps?

Wider curriculum idea

Choose your favourite image of a widowbird from africageographic.com* and draw it. Once you have finished, why not give it to a family member or friend and tell them a fact about widowbirds?

*Please note that this site is funded by adverts.