Village Weaver
Image: Antoine Guilbaud (cc-by-nc)
NameVillage Weaver
Common NameVillage Weaver
Scientific NamePloceus cucullatus
FamilyPloceidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)38
Plumage DetailsBreeding males have a black head, often with a chestnut nape, bright yellow underparts, and a streaked yellow and black back. Females and non-breeding males are duller, olive-brown above, yellowish-white below, with streaked backs and a pale supercilium.
Vocalization / CallA very noisy species, especially in colonies, producing a variety of chattering, buzzing, and hissing calls. Their vocalizations are often described as a continuous cacophony of 'tsik-tsik-tsik' and 'chweee' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, woodland, agricultural land, urban areas, near water
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Mauritania east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and eastern South Africa. Also introduced to some Caribbean islands.
Identifying Featureselaborate, pendulous woven nests, breeding male's black head and bright yellow body, colonial nesting behavior, noisy chattering calls, stout conical bill
Description
The Village Weaver is a robust and highly social passerine bird, renowned for its elaborate, intricately woven nests. Males in breeding plumage display striking yellow and black patterns, while females and non-breeding males are more subdued in coloration. They are often found in large, noisy colonies.
