Little Weaver Bird Facts (Ploceus luteolus)

The Little Weaver is a small, vibrant bird. Breeding males have bright yellow plumage with a distinctive black face mask that covers the forehead, cheeks, and extends down to the throat. Their back and wings are olive-brown with yellow edges.

Females and non-breeding males are duller, with yellowish-green upperparts streaked with darker colours, and paler yellow to whitish underparts. Juveniles are similar but more grey-brown in colour.

The Little Weaver can be found in Woodland habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Garden habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Urban habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Desert habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

The Little Weaver is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

The Little Weaver can be found in Savanna habitats.

The Little Weaver is found across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Ethiopia and south to northern South Africa. It inhabits open woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands with scattered trees.

These birds prefer areas with acacia trees for nesting and are also found in cultivated lands and gardens. They are non-migratory, maintaining their presence year-round in suitable habitats.

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Little Weaver. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Little Weaver demonstrates remarkable agility through its swift climbing abilities in vegetation and precise nest-weaving skills. Their ability to manoeuvre quickly through branches whilst foraging and construct intricate nests shows exceptional dexterity.

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst capable of weaving sturdy nests from grass and palm fronds, the Little Weaver's small size (11-12 cm) and light weight (13-19g) indicate relatively modest strength compared to other birds. They possess sufficient strength for their size-appropriate tasks.

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These birds show impressive adaptability, thriving across various habitats from woodlands to urban gardens. Their ability to utilise different nesting materials, adjust their diet seasonally, and maintain stable populations despite environmental changes demonstrates strong adaptive capabilities.

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Males display territorial behaviour during breeding season and defend their nests, but they're generally social and peaceful, often forming mixed-species colonies. Their aggression is primarily limited to breeding-related displays rather than genuine hostile behaviour.

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

The Little Weaver exhibits moderate endurance, maintaining daily activities of foraging and nest-building. Their non-migratory nature suggests sufficient stamina for local movements, though they're not known for particularly lengthy flights or exceptional physical endurance feats.

Little Weavers primarily feed on seeds, particularly those of grasses and cereals. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during the breeding season when protein-rich food is crucial for nestling development. They often forage on the ground or in low vegetation.

Little Weavers are highly social birds, often seen in small flocks outside the breeding season. They are agile climbers, moving swiftly through vegetation while foraging.

During breeding, males become territorial and engage in elaborate nest-building displays to attract females.

The Little Weaver has a variety of vocalisations, including a rapid, chattering 'chit-chit-chit' call often heard in flocks.

During courtship, males produce a more melodious warbling song, sometimes accompanied by wing-fluttering displays. Their calls can be described as a mix of chirps and buzzes.

Breeding occurs during the rainy season, typically from July to September. Males construct intricate, oval-shaped nests by weaving grass and palm fronds, often in acacia trees.

Females lay 2-3 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown speckles. The nest has a downward-facing entrance, providing protection from predators.

Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after approximately 14-16 days.

The Little Weaver typically lives for 5 to 8 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

The Little Weaver is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Its wide distribution and adaptability to various habitats contribute to its stable population.

However, local threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and pesticide use in some areas.

Look for their distinctive yellow plumage in open woodlands and savannahs
Listen for their chattering calls, especially near nesting sites
Observe their intricate nest-weaving behaviour during the breeding season
Check acacia trees, where they often build their nests

Main predators include snakes, birds of prey such as hawks and falcons, and small carnivorous mammals like genets and mongooses.

Male Little Weavers can weave a complete nest in just one day.
They often build their nests in colonies, sometimes with other weaver species.
Little Weavers have been observed using tools, such as leaves, to remove parasites from their feathers.

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