Cape Weaver

Ploceus capensis

The Cape Weaver is a small nest-weaving bird found only within South Africa. They are residents, meaning that they do not migrate, and can be found in grassland and scrubland habitats.

Males of the species are more vibrant in color than the females. When it comes time to breed their feathers become bright yellow and their head goes orange. The rest of the year they are more dull in color, and the females are a paler olive-yellow year round.

Breeding is a very notable times for the males, because not only do their colors change, but they also undertake massive construction projects. They weave large, glove-like nests that are suspended from tree branches with openings near the underside.

If a female likes a particular nest, she will choose its builder as her mate. Picking the best nest means that she will have a good comfortable home to incubate from, and ensures that the genes of a good builder get passed on!

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IUCN Status : Least Concern
Location : South Africa
Size : Body length 7in (17cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Ploceidae -- Genus : Ploceus -- Species : P. capensis

Image : Brian Ralphs