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)21
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)37.5
Plumage DetailsThe female Village Weaver has a dull yellow head and underparts, with a brownish-olive back streaked with darker markings. The wings are dark with yellowish edges. A prominent feature is the bright red iris. The bill is conical and pale.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a noisy, chattering, and buzzing song, often given in colonies. Calls include harsh 'chek' notes and a variety of squeaks and whistles, creating a cacophony around their nesting sites.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, farmland, urban areas, woodland edges, gardens
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and eastern South Africa. It has also been introduced to some other regions.
Identifying Featuresbright red eyes (in adults), conical pale bill, yellowish head and underparts (female), streaked brownish back (female), colonial nesting behavior, elaborate woven nests
Description
The Village Weaver is a common and widespread passerine bird known for its elaborate woven nests. Females, like the one pictured, are typically duller yellow-brown with striking red eyes, while males display brighter yellow and black breeding plumage. They are highly social birds, often found in large colonies.
