Ploceus bicolor
The Dark-backed Weaver (Ploceus bicolor) is a striking passerine bird, often found flitting through the understory of African forests. Measuring approximately 14-16 cm in length and weighing around 20-30 grams, its most distinctive feature is its robust, conical black bill perfectly adapted for seed-crushing and insect-foraging. Adult birds exhibit a deep olive-green to blackish back, wings, and tail, sharply contrasting with a vibrant chestnut to yellow underparts depending on the subspecies...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, montane forests, and evergreen woodlands, typically at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, caterpillars, ants, and other invertebrates, supplemented with seeds, small fruits, and nectar.
Diurnal in activity, the Dark-backed Weaver spends its days actively foraging within the forest canopy and undergrowth. It is primarily an arboreal gleaner, meticulously searching leaves, branches, and bark for insects and other small invertebrates. Unlike many of its colonial weaver relatives, t...
The Dark-backed Weaver boasts a broad, though somewhat fragmented, distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, primarily along the eastern and southern parts of the continent. Its breeding range extends from eastern South Africa north through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, and into pa...
Least Concern
- The Dark-backed Weaver is one of the few weaver species that prefers dense forest habitats over open savannas or grasslands. - Its intricate, woven nest is typically retort-shaped, with a narrow, downward-pointing entrance tunnel to deter predators. - Both the male and female Dark-backed Weaver...