Rufous-tailed Weaver
NameRufous-tailed Weaver
Common NameRufous-tailed Weaver
Scientific NameHisturgops ruficauda
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)35
Length (cm)20
Weight (g)45
Plumage DetailsThe head and breast are greyish with a scaly pattern due to dark feather centers and pale edges. The back and wings are darker brown with pale feather edges, creating a streaked effect. The most prominent feature is its rufous (reddish-brown) tail. The belly is paler, and it has a stout, dark conical bill.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, chattering calls often given in flight or from a perch, as well as 'churr' or 'tseep' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to central and northern Tanzania in East Africa.
Identifying FeaturesRufous tail, Scaly greyish-brown plumage, Stout dark bill, Ground-foraging behavior, Endemic to Tanzania
Description
This medium-sized weaver is characterized by its distinctive rufous tail and scaly greyish-brown plumage. It is an active ground-forager found in open woodlands and grasslands of Tanzania.
