Ploceus capensis
The Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis) is a striking passerine bird, indigenous to southern Africa, renowned for its intricate nest-building skills. Males in breeding plumage are particularly vibrant, sporting a rich golden-yellow body, a distinctive black face and throat mask, and a stout, conical bill perfectly adapted for seed-eating and weaving. Measuring around 17-18 cm in length and weighing between 36-50 grams, it's one of the larger weaver species. Females and non-breeding males are dulle...
Found in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, including grasslands, fynbos, karoo scrub, agricultural fields, suburban gardens, and reedbeds. Typically found at low to moderate elevations, often near water sources.
Primarily granivorous, feeding on a wide variety of seeds, particularly grass seeds, but also consumes insects, especially during breeding season, and nectar from flowering plants. They forage by gleaning from vegetation and occasionally catching insects in flight.
Cape Weavers are highly social and diurnal, often foraging in noisy flocks and gathering in large communal roosts, especially outside the breeding season. Foraging primarily involves gleaning seeds from grasses and weeds, but they also adeptly catch insects in flight or from foliage, and frequent...
The Cape Weaver is endemic to southern Africa, with its primary distribution concentrated throughout South Africa, extending into Lesotho and Eswatini. It is largely a resident species, exhibiting minimal migratory movements, primarily localized dispersal outside the breeding season. Its range co...
Least Concern
- The male Cape Weaver can build up to 20 nests in a single breeding season, showcasing his weaving prowess to potential mates. - Nest construction for a male can take as little as 3-5 days, though some may take longer to perfect. - Females inspect nests rigorously, often tearing down poorly cons...