The black-capped social weaver is a sparrow-like species of bird that has been assigned to the weaverbird family. It was originally described by Fisher and Reichenow, and later re-classified by the latter to the genus Pseudonigrita. Adults have a large black cap, ivory-colored bill, red eyes, brown back and wings, blackish-brown tail, white throat and underparts with a black midline, and dark horn-colored legs. It breeds in colonies and roofed nests with an entrance at the bottom in thorny trees such as acacias are constructed by the male from grass stems. It is found in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Tanzania. It is sometimes kept and bred in captivity.
Region
Horn of Africa and East African savannas
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in arid and semi-arid thornbush and open savanna with scattered acacias across southern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania. Prefers flat or gently rolling landscapes with sparse grass and thorn scrub. Often found near human settlements, livestock enclosures, and water points where seeds and insects are abundant. Nesting trees are typically thorny species that offer protection from predators. Outside the breeding season it ranges locally in small flocks within the same habitat matrix.
Altitude Range
500–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
This small weaver is easily recognized by its glossy black cap, red eyes, and pale underparts traversed by a narrow black midline. It breeds in colonies, with domed, roofed nests of grass that have a bottom entrance, typically placed in thorny acacias; males do most of the construction. It often times breeding with rains and may be kept and bred successfully in mixed-species aviaries. Its social nature and chattering calls make colonies conspicuous in open thorn scrub.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flights between bushes
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, foraging and nesting in cohesive groups. Pairs are typically monogamous within colonies, and males lead nest building, adding fresh grass during displays. Colonies roost communally in the nest structures outside the breeding period, and birds often engage in allopreening. They defend small areas around nest trees but tolerate neighbors closely.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of chirps, twitters, and short trills delivered from nest trees or during display flights. Contact calls are chatty and continuous within colonies, creating a busy, buzzing soundscape.
