Ploceus bojeri
The Golden Palm Weaver, *Ploceus bojeri*, is a striking member of the weaver family, renowned for its brilliant breeding plumage and exceptional nest-building skills. Adult males in breeding condition sport a vibrant, almost iridescent golden-yellow plumage over much of their body, contrasted by an olive-yellow back and wings, with a length typically ranging from 14-16 cm and weighing around 18-28 grams. A distinctive reddish-orange eye and conical bill are notable field marks, aiding identif...
This species primarily inhabits semi-arid to sub-humid lowlands, favoring coastal and riverine palm savannas, acacia woodlands, and cultivated areas, typically found below 1,000 meters elevation.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, particularly caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, supplemented with grass seeds and occasionally nectar.
Golden Palm Weavers are highly social, diurnal birds often found in noisy colonies, roosting communally in large reedbeds or thorny trees outside the breeding season. They forage actively in small to large flocks, gleaning insects from foliage and grass, or feeding on seeds directly from plants. ...
The Golden Palm Weaver is a resident species found exclusively in East Africa, with its primary range extending along the coastal and lowland regions from southern Somalia, through eastern Kenya, and south into northeastern Tanzania. This distribution hugs the Indian Ocean coastline, often extend...
Least Concern
- The Golden Palm Weaver male is an architectural marvel, capable of constructing a complex nest in as little as 3-5 days. - A single male Golden Palm Weaver may build up to 10 or more nests in one breeding season to attract multiple females. - Females are discerning 'inspectors,' often rejecting...