Village Weaver
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q54800218" class="extiw" title="d:Q54800218"><span title="Scottish wildlife photographer">Charles J. Sharp</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NameVillage Weaver
Common NameVillage Weaver
Scientific NamePloceus cucullatus
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)38
Plumage DetailsBreeding males (as pictured) have a black head, a chestnut nape (though variable by subspecies, this individual appears to have a mostly black head extending to the throat), bright yellow underparts, and a yellow mantle streaked with black. The wings are black with yellow edgings, and the eyes are reddish-orange. Females and non-breeding males are duller, with streaked brown upperparts and pale yellow underparts.
Vocalization / CallVillage Weavers are very vocal, especially in colonies, producing a noisy array of chattering, buzzing, and hissing calls. Their calls are often described as a 'chick-chick-chick' followed by a harsh 'zzzzzzzt'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, open woodland, cultivated land, gardens, human settlements
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania east to Ethiopia and south to South Africa. They are absent from arid regions and dense forests.
Identifying FeaturesMale's black head and bright yellow body (breeding plumage), Conical, stout bill, Reddish-orange eyes in males, Elaborate, spherical woven nests made from grass and leaves, Colonial nesting behavior
Description
The Village Weaver is a common and widespread passerine bird known for its elaborate woven nests. Males in breeding plumage are strikingly colored, often with black heads and bright yellow bodies, and are diligent nest builders, as seen in the image.
