Brachycope anomala
The Bob-tailed Weaver (Brachycope anomala) is a distinctive member of the Ploceidae family, standing out with its unusually short tail, a feature that lends it both its common and scientific names (Brachycope from Greek 'brachys' meaning short, and 'kope' meaning handle/tail). Measuring approximately 10-12 cm in length and weighing around 12-18 grams, this small passerine exhibits a striking plumage with the male boasting a bright yellow head and underparts contrasting with a black back, wing...
Found primarily in damp, grassy savannas, cultivated areas, and open country with scattered trees, often near water sources. It prefers lower elevations, typically below 1,000 meters.
Mainly consumes small seeds from grasses and other plants, supplemented by insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Forages by gleaning from vegetation and picking from the ground.
Bob-tailed Weavers are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and engaging in social interactions, typically roosting communally in dense vegetation or reed beds at night. They are primarily insectivorous and granivorous, foraging acrobatically among grass stems and low bushes, often glea...
The Bob-tailed Weaver is endemic to the central African region, primarily occurring within the Congo Basin. Its main distribution spans parts of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Angola. It has also been recorded in smaller areas of southwestern Central African Rep...
Least Concern
- The Bob-tailed Weaver holds the distinction of being the only species in its genus, Brachycope, underscoring its unique evolutionary path. - Its scientific name, *Brachycope anomala*, literally translates to 'anomalous short-tail', perfectly describing its most prominent feature. - Unlike many ...