Southern Brown-throated Weaver
NameSouthern Brown-throated Weaver
Common NameSouthern Brown-throated Weaver
Scientific NamePloceus xanthopterus
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)23
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are striking, with bright yellow plumage covering the head, underparts, and rump, contrasting with a deep chestnut-brown mask on the face and throat. The back and wings are olive-yellow, streaked with darker feathers, and the bill is black. Females and non-breeding males are duller, more olive-yellow overall.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a variety of buzzing, chattering, and sibilant notes, often delivered in a rapid, somewhat unmusical series.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in southern Africa, from Angola and southern Democratic Republic of Congo east to Tanzania, and south through Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow plumage, chestnut-brown face and throat (breeding male), black conical bill, found in reedbeds and swamps
Description
This small, brightly colored weaver is characterized by its entirely yellow body and a distinctive chestnut-brown face and throat in breeding males. It is typically found in dense wetland vegetation, where it forages for seeds and insects.
