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Bird. Masked weavers are named for their elaborately woven nests built of papyrus, grass, and twigs. They are round structures built hanging from a branch, with the entrance near the bottom. They look like funny fruit hanging from a tree! The male builds a nest for a female. If the female does not like the nest, he will tear it down and start over. If she does like the nest, she will line it with grass and feathers, and start raising a family. The male will then try to build a nest for another female. These social birds live together in noisy colonies. They average 14 cm (5.5 in) in length. |
| Scientific
Name |
Lifespan |
| Ploceus |
About 1 to 3 years |
| Diet |
| Herbivore. Weaverbirds feed mainly on seeds. |
| Predators and Threats |
| Forest clearance and degradation. |
| Habitat |
| The most widely dispersed Southern African weaver, the masked weaver nests in trees and bushes near available water. Found in sub-Saharan Africa including South Africa, Angola, Zaire, Zambia, and Tanzania. |
