Species Profile
Southern Masked Weaver
Ploceus velatus
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: African Masked-Weaver, Southern Masked-Weaver, African Masked Weaver
Think you've spotted a Southern Masked Weaver?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
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.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Yellow
- Secondary
- Green
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Pink
Female Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- White
- Beak
- Brown
- Legs
- Pink
Female Markings
Streaked brown plumage, pale eyebrow
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & 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.
Distribution
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.
Calls & Sounds
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
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.
Elevation
Up to 2,600 meters
Additional Details
- 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.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive globe-shaped nests in trees near water bodies
- Listen for their chattering calls, especially during the breeding season
- Observe males performing their elaborate nest-building displays
- Check bird feeders in urban areas, particularly those offering seeds
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.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Southern Masked Weaver
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species