Southern Masked Weaver
NameSouthern Masked Weaver
Common NameSouthern Masked Weaver
Scientific NamePloceus velatus
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)20.5
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)35
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are bright yellow on the head, underparts, and rump, with a prominent black mask covering the face and throat. The back and wings are olive-green, streaked with black, and the eyes are red. Females and non-breeding males are duller, yellowish-green above and pale yellow below, lacking the black mask.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a variety of chirps, whistles, and harsh, buzzing notes, often delivered in a chattering song from within a colony. They also have alarm calls and contact calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, urban, wetland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidely distributed across Southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and parts of Angola, Zambia, and Malawi.
Identifying Featuresbright yellow plumage (male), black facial mask (male), red eyes (male), olive-green back and wings, conical black bill, pendulous woven nests
Description
This medium-sized weaver is known for the male's striking yellow and black breeding plumage and its intricate woven nests. They are highly social birds, often found in colonies, and feed on a mixed diet of insects and seeds.
