Ploceus rubiginosus
The Chestnut Weaver (Ploceus rubiginosus) is a striking passerine belonging to the diverse weaver family, Ploceidae, noted for its intricate nest-building skills. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm in length, the breeding male is instantly recognizable by its rich rufous-chestnut plumage covering most of the body, vividly contrasted by a jet-black face and throat, and dark brown wings with pale edgings. Females and non-breeding males present a much duller, streaked appearance, typically olive-b...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid savannas, thornbush scrub, and acacia woodlands. It is typically found in lowland areas, though it can occur up to 2000 meters in some parts of its range.
The diet of the Chestnut Weaver consists mainly of grass seeds, cultivated grains, and various insects, such as termites, beetles, and caterpillars. They primarily forage on the ground, gleaning seeds and invertebrates from vegetation.
Chestnut Weavers are highly gregarious birds, forming large, often noisy, flocks outside the breeding season, which can number in the hundreds or even thousands. They are diurnal, spending their days foraging and often congregating in communal roosts at night in thorny trees for protection. Their...
The Chestnut Weaver boasts a disjunct but widespread distribution across arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, typically occurring in two main populations. The eastern population spans from northern Ethiopia and Sudan south through Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, and into northern Tanzania. The western p...
Least Concern
- Chestnut Weavers are highly nomadic, often moving hundreds of kilometers in response to erratic rainfall and food availability across their arid habitats. - Males are polygynous and may construct up to 5-10 nests in a single breeding season to attract multiple mates. - Their intricate, retort-s...