Pseudonigrita cabanisi
The Black-capped Social Weaver (Pseudonigrita cabanisi), a striking member of the weaver family (Ploceidae), is a small passerine distinguished by its crisp black-and-white plumage. Measuring about 12-13 cm in length and weighing approximately 15-20 grams, it exhibits a glossy black cap, mantle, and wings contrasting sharply with bright white underparts, cheeks, and a white rump. A key field mark for identification is the distinct line where the black cap meets the white face, giving it a som...
Found primarily in arid and semi-arid savannas, dry grasslands, and acacia scrublands. It typically inhabits lower to mid-elevations, often near scattered thorny trees or bushes.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small beetles, ants, termites, and other arthropods, supplemented by grass seeds. They forage actively both on the ground and in low vegetation.
Black-capped Social Weavers are highly gregarious birds, active throughout the day, often foraging and moving in noisy flocks of 10 to 50 individuals, sometimes even larger. At dusk, these flocks gather to roost communally in their elaborate nests or dense thorny trees, offering safety in numbers...
The Black-capped Social Weaver is a resident species found across a significant portion of East Africa. Its distribution extends from southeastern South Sudan and southern Ethiopia, through Somalia, central and southern Kenya, and northern and central Tanzania. There is also a disjunct population...
Least Concern
- The Black-capped Social Weaver's communal nest can be surprisingly large, often reaching over a meter in diameter, housing multiple breeding pairs. - These impressive nests are typically built in thorny acacia trees, providing natural protection against predators like snakes and raptors. - Unli...