Ploceus ocularis
The Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis) is a striking medium-sized passerine, measuring approximately 15-16 cm (6-6.3 inches) in length, known for its distinctive 'spectacled' facial pattern. Males are particularly vibrant, sporting bright yellow underparts, an olive-green back, and a prominent black mask encompassing the lores, eye, chin, and throat, strikingly framed by a chestnut nape. Females exhibit a similar but often duller pattern, with paler yellow plumage and a reduced black mask, ...
Found primarily in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, woodlands, savannas, and forest edges, especially near riparian vegetation. It also adapts well to human-modified landscapes like gardens and plantations, typically residing at elevations below 1,800 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other arthropods. It also consumes nectar from flowers and occasionally small seeds, gleaning and probing foliage for sustenance.
The Spectacled Weaver is a diurnal bird, actively foraging throughout the day, though it typically roosts solitarily or in pairs. Unlike many weavers, it is not highly gregarious, often found singly or in small family groups. Males are territorial, vigorously defending their breeding patches, and...
The Spectacled Weaver is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, predominantly in the eastern, central, and southern parts of the continent. Its breeding range extends from eastern Ethiopia and Somalia south through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and into Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, eas...
Least Concern
- The Spectacled Weaver is one of the more solitary species among the highly social weaver family, often observed alone or in pairs rather than large flocks. - Its intricate, retort-shaped nest can feature an exceptionally long, downward-pointing entrance tunnel, believed to deter predators. - Ma...