The black-chinned weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland rainforest, swamp forest, and riverine woodland, especially near still or slow-flowing water. Favors forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth where flowering and seeding plants are abundant. Often associates with palms and other broad-leaved trees for nesting. Forages from the mid-canopy to the subcanopy, occasionally descending to shrubs along streams.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Black-chinned weavers are small, colony-nesting weaverbirds famed for their intricately woven, hanging nests. Males display by fluttering at nest entrances and reshaping strands to attract females. The species is tied to moist forest and swamp edges, where it forages actively in the mid to upper canopy. Its small black chin patch is most pronounced in breeding males.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms noisy colonies, often over water or in trees along forest edges. Males weave pendent nests from grass and palm strips and may be polygynous, courting multiple females. Nests are suspended from fronds or slender branches; females line the interior and undertake most incubation and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of chattering twitters and buzzy notes, often delivered persistently around the colony. Calls include sharp chips and scolds used in social contact and alarm.
Plumage
Compact weaver with bright yellow underparts, olive-yellow upperparts, and a distinct small black chin/throat patch in males; females are duller with a reduced chin mark. Back often shows fine dusky streaking and the wings have darker flight feathers edged yellow-olive. Bill is stout and dark, typical of weavers.
Diet
Takes a mix of small insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and termites, as well as spiders. Also consumes seeds, tender plant matter, and small fruits or figs when available. During breeding, animal prey forms a larger share of the diet to feed growing chicks.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in foliage clusters, flower heads, and along leaf undersides in the mid to upper canopy. Frequently visits forest edges, clearings, and riverside vegetation where insects are abundant and grasses or sedges provide seeds.
