Speckle-fronted Weaver
NameSpeckle-fronted Weaver
Common NameSpeckle-fronted Weaver
Scientific NameSporopipes frontalis
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsThe Speckle-fronted Weaver has a prominent black and white speckled forehead, contrasting with a rufous (rusty-brown) crown. Its underparts are pale greyish-white, while the back and wings are streaky brown with darker flight feathers and pale edgings on the wing coverts. The bill is small, conical, and dark.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a soft, high-pitched 'tsip' or 'see-see-see' call, often given in flight or while foraging. They also produce a chattering song.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal in the west, east through the Sahel belt to Ethiopia, and south to northern Tanzania.
Identifying Featuresblack and white speckled forehead, rufous crown, pale grey underparts, streaky brown back and wings, small conical bill
Description
A small, distinctive weaver characterized by its greyish body, brown wings, and a striking rufous crown. Its most notable feature is the black and white speckled forehead, which gives the species its common name. These birds are typically found in dry savannas and open woodlands, often foraging in small flocks.
