Southern Masked Weaver Bird Facts (Ploceus velatus)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Southern Masked Weaver is a small, vibrant bird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males in breeding plumage display bright yellow bodies with olive-green backs and a distinctive black face mask and bib, set off by their red eyes.

Females and non-breeding males are much duller, with streaked olive-brown upperparts and pale yellowish underparts. Juveniles resemble females but have paler bills.

Size

Length

13cm to 15cm

Wingspan

21cm to 24cm

Weight

20g to 35g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Yellow Black

Secondary Colour

Green Brown

Beak Colour

Black

Leg Colour

Pink

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown Buff

Secondary Colour (Female)

White

Beak Colour (Female)

Brown

Leg Colour (Female)

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Southern Masked Weaver can be found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Southern Masked Weaver can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Southern Masked Weaver is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Southern Masked Weaver can be found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Southern Masked Weavers are widely distributed across southern and eastern Africa, from South Africa to Kenya. They inhabit open woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands, often near water sources.

These adaptable birds have also colonised urban and suburban areas, frequenting parks and gardens. They are non-migratory, maintaining their presence year-round in suitable habitats.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,600 meters

Climate zones

Tropical, Subtropical

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Southern Masked 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

Resident

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Angola Botswana Eswatini Guinea-Bissau Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Namibia South Africa Zambia Zimbabwe

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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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.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

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

Demonstrates considerable agility through intricate nest-building activities, requiring precise movements to weave complex structures. Their ability to tie knots with beaks and feet whilst constructing nests shows remarkable dexterity.

Strength 35

Strength

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

Whilst capable of weaving sturdy nests and handling various seeds, their small size (13-15cm) and light weight (20-35g) indicates modest strength relative to other birds. Sufficient for their lifestyle but not particularly noteworthy.

Adaptability 85

Adaptability

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

Highly adaptable species thriving across various habitats from savannas to urban environments. Successfully colonised human settlements and readily visits bird feeders, showing excellent adaptation to changing environments.

Aggressiveness 60

Aggressiveness

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

Shows moderate aggression, particularly during breeding season when males defend their nesting territories. Their colonial nesting behaviour suggests they tolerate conspecifics well, though territorial disputes do occur.

Endurance 70

Endurance

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

Demonstrates good endurance through sustained nest-building activities, with males constructing multiple nests (up to 25) in a breeding season. Their ability to forage extensively and maintain breeding colonies requires considerable stamina.

Diet

Southern Masked-Weavers are primarily granivorous, feeding on a variety of seeds, especially grass seeds.

They supplement their diet with insects, particularly during the breeding season, to provide protein for their young. These birds often forage on the ground or in low vegetation.

Behaviour

Southern Masked-Weavers are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season. They are known for their intricate nest-building skills, with males constructing multiple nests to attract females.

These birds are also frequent visitors to bird feeders in urban areas.

Vocalisation

Southern Masked-Weavers are vocal birds with a variety of calls. Their most common vocalisation is a rapid, chattering 'chissik-chissik-chissik' often heard during nest building.

Males also produce a softer, warbling song to attract females, sometimes accompanied by wing-fluttering displays.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding occurs during the rainy season, typically from September to January. Males build multiple intricate, oval-shaped nests to attract females, weaving them from grass and palm fronds.

Females select the best nest and line it with soft materials. They lay 2-4 pale blue or greenish eggs with brown speckles. Incubation lasts about 12-14 days.

Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after approximately 14-16 days. Females often raise multiple broods in a single season.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

The Southern Masked-Weaver is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range and stable population. However, habitat loss in some areas and climate change could pose future threats.

Conservation efforts focus on preserving grassland and savanna habitats.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but generally common throughout its range ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

African Masked-Weaver

Family:

Ploceidae

Average Lifespan

5 to 15 years ^[4]

Max Lifespan

23.5 years ^[5]

Predators

Main predators include snakes, mongooses, and birds of prey such as hawks and falcons. Nest predators like crows and monkeys also pose a threat to eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

Male Southern Masked Weavers can build up to 25 nests in a single breeding season.
They are excellent weavers, able to tie knots with their beaks and feet while constructing nests.
These birds often nest in colonies, sometimes containing hundreds of individuals.