UGANDA VILLAGE WEAVER
Ploceus flycatcheri
DESCRIPTION
Uganda Village Weaver (Ploceus flycatcheri) is commonly known as the African Village Weaver. This bird is characterized by its striking yellow and black plumage, particularly in males during the breeding season, which helps attract females. They are social birds, often found in large colonies, and are known for their intricate nest-building skills, weaving grass and other materials into elaborate structures suspended from trees.
FUN FACTS
- Uganda Village Weavers are known for their impressive nest-building skills, which can take several days to complete
- These nests are often built in colonies, providing safety in numbers from predators
- | During the breeding season, males engage in elaborate courtship displays, which include singing and showing off their vibrant plumage to attract females
- Their nests can be quite large and are often built in trees over water, which helps protect them from ground predators
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild
Average Weight30-50 g
Average Length15-20 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureThey are typically found in groups, often forming large colonies during the breeding season.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Uganda Village Weavers inhabit wetlands, grasslands, and areas near water bodies. They prefer habitats with abundant vegetation for nesting and foraging.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Grassland
- Native Range
- This species is native to parts of East Africa, particularly in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
- Diet
- They primarily feed on seeds, grains, and insects, foraging in trees and on the ground. Their diet can vary based on the availability of food sources in their habitat.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- seeds and insects
- Social Structure
- They are typically found in groups, often forming large colonies during the breeding season.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
VU
30-50 g
Weight
15-20 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Males are bright yellow with a black face and throat, while females are more subdued in color, typically brown and yellow.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are more brightly colored than females.
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Not specifically estimated, but considered common in suitable habitats.
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization. Additionally, climate change may impact their wetland habitats.
- Predators
- Snakes, birds of prey, and domestic cats are known to prey on Uganda Village Weavers.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often nest in colonies to reduce predation risk and can be quite aggressive in defending their nests.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon