Weaver Southern Masked
Weaver Southern Masked: The Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus) is a common weaver species in southern Africa, known for its striking yellow plumage and intricate nest-building behavior. Here are key details about this species:
Physical Characteristics:
- Males: Bright yellow body, black mask covering the face and throat, with an olive-green back.
- Females and Juveniles: Duller in color, mainly olive-brown above and yellowish underneath, without the distinct black mask.
Habitat:
- Southern Masked Weavers thrive in a wide range of habitats, including savannas, open woodlands, farmlands, and urban gardens. They are often found near water sources, where trees are abundant for nesting.
Nesting:
- Intricate Nests: Males weave complex, rounded nests using grass and plant fibers, usually suspended from tree branches. They are known for their skill in creating nests with a small entrance hole at the bottom.
- Polygamous Behavior: Males are polygamous and may build multiple nests during the breeding season to attract females. Once the nest is built, the female inspects it before deciding whether to lay her eggs in it.
Breeding:
- Breeding usually takes place in the warmer months, particularly between September and January, depending on the region.
- Females lay 2–5 eggs per clutch, which they incubate while the male may continue building other nests to attract more mates.
Diet:
- Southern Masked Weavers are primarily granivores, feeding on seeds, but they also eat insects, especially during the breeding season when they require more protein.
Vocalizations:
- The male’s call is a series of rapid, high-pitched chirps and whistles, often heard while they are building nests or attracting females.
Conservation Status:
- The Southern Masked Weaver is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and large population.
Weaver Southern Masked Behavior:
- They are highly social birds, often found in large flocks outside the breeding season. During breeding, males become territorial and aggressive, especially when competing for mates.
These colorful birds are a common sight across southern Africa and are known for their striking appearance and fascinating behaviors, particularly their nest-building skills.
Weaver Southern Masked – my photography:
The Southern Masked Weaver is my very first bird I photographed at Muldersdrift, Johannesburg in South Africa during September in 2017.
This photo was taken with a Canon Legaria HF R76 camcorder.
Weaver Southern Masked in aviaries:
Weavers are also very popular among finch keepers. The article “Weavers and Whydahs (Part I)” is available in the December 2021 Premier magazine. “Weavers and Whydahs (Part II)” is available in the January 2022 Premier edition.
Aviary layout is important with three main requirements – water, longish grass, and reeds. The grass is required for nesting sites with the majority of nests built 12 inches from the ground and all nests face surface water. A pool is required in the aviary. Also in the pool reeds should be planted giving the cock bird a platform to display from, but more importantly to give him material to build the initial entrance circle of the nest.
Weaver Southern Masked More information:
Weavers can be found in parts of Europe and Asia but by far the majority come from the African continent. They most likely received their common name by the way several types built their nests by literally weaving fine grasses or vegetation into a compact but very strong work of art.
The southern masked weaver nests in colonies, mainly from September to January. Males have several female partners and build a succession of nests, typically 25 each season. The nests, like those of other weavers, are woven from reed, palm, or grass. A female will line a selected nest with soft grass and feathers. The nest is built in a tree, often over water, but sometimes in suburbia. This weaver also nests in reeds.
If you are interested in keeping and breeding finches, this eBook will get you started: https://www.wwbirds.co.za/dir/keeping-and-breeding-finches-2nd-edition-e-book/
Here is a link to my Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/petrusvantonder/?hl=en
