Usambara Weaver
NameUsambara Weaver
Common NameUsambara Weaver
Scientific NamePloceus nicolli
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)12.5
Weight (g)18
Plumage DetailsAdult males have dark olive-brown to blackish upperparts, head, and breast, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow lower breast and belly. Adult females are duller, with olive-brown upperparts and paler yellowish-olive underparts, lacking the male's bright yellow belly.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include soft, high-pitched 'tsip' or 'seep' notes, often given in a series, and sometimes a quiet, buzzing trill.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to a few isolated montane forest blocks in eastern Tanzania, primarily the Usambara and Udzungwa Mountains, with a small population possibly in the Taita Hills of Kenya.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size (approx. 12.5 cm), Male's dark upperparts contrasting with bright yellow belly, Female's duller olive-yellow plumage, Prefers forest understory, Restricted geographic range in East African montane forests
Description
The Usambara Weaver is a small, rather drab weaver found in the understory of montane forests. Males are characterized by dark upperparts and a bright yellow belly, while females are duller. They primarily forage for insects.
