Ploceus castaneofuscus
The Chestnut-and-black Weaver (Ploceus castaneofuscus) is a captivating medium-sized passerine native to West and Central Africa, typically measuring 14-15 cm (5.5-6 inches) in length and weighing 20-30 grams. Breeding males are instantly recognizable by their striking, almost entirely chestnut body plumage sharply contrasted with a glossy black head, throat, and upper breast, complemented by a bright red eye and robust black conical bill. Females and non-breeding males exhibit a more subdued...
This species primarily inhabits forest edges, clearings, secondary growth, and plantations, often found in proximity to water bodies like rivers or swamps, generally at elevations below 1,000 meters.
Primarily omnivorous, their diet consists mainly of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and ants, supplemented with seeds, small fruits, and occasional nectar. They forage by gleaning insects from foliage and probing into crevices.
Chestnut-and-black Weavers are diurnal, engaging in active foraging throughout the day. Males are renowned for their elaborate nest-building, weaving intricate, retort-shaped nests from grass and palm strips, often suspended from branches, typically in colonies. During the breeding season, males ...
The Chestnut-and-black Weaver is a resident species distributed across West and Central Africa, maintaining its presence year-round throughout its range. Its distribution extends from Sierra Leone and Guinea eastward through Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, continuing into...
Least Concern
- Its scientific name `castaneofuscus` directly translates from Latin to "chestnut and dusky (or dark brown)," perfectly describing the male's striking breeding plumage. - Male Chestnut-and-black Weavers are master architects, weaving intricate, enclosed nests from strips of grass and palm fronds...