The black-headed weaver, also known as yellow-backed weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is a resident breeder in damp areas in tropical Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely across tropical Africa, especially in moist savannas, wetlands, and along rivers and lakes. They favor reedbeds, papyrus stands, and tangles of riverside vegetation, and often nest in trees overhanging water. The species also uses agricultural areas such as rice paddies and sugarcane fields, as well as gardens and parks near water. They can occur alongside other weaver species in mixed colonies where habitat is suitable.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Black-headed weavers are expert nest builders, weaving intricate, hanging nests from fresh grass blades over water or in reedbeds. Males construct several nests and display vigorously to attract females, which inspect and choose the best-built structures. They breed colonially, often with dozens of nests in a single tree, creating a constant chorus of calls and wing-fluttering. They readily adapt to human-altered landscapes, including rice fields and village edges.
Black-headed weaver building its nest at Kibale Forest National Park
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, often nesting in large groups that provide protection from predators. Males are polygynous and build multiple nests; females select and line the final nest before laying eggs. Nests are typically suspended from slender branches over water to deter predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy chorus of harsh chattering, buzzy trills, and rapid metallic notes. Males vocalize persistently around colonies, especially during nest building and courtship.
Plumage
Breeding males show a glossy black head and throat contrasting with a bright yellow body and olive-yellow back; wings are olive with darker feather centers. Females and non-breeding males are duller, mostly yellow-olive above and yellow below, lacking the black hood. The plumage is smooth and compact, with a stout, pointed bill typical of seed-eating passerines.
Diet
Eats a mix of grass seeds and cultivated grains along with a variety of insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites. During the breeding season, they take more animal prey to feed nestlings. They may also glean small invertebrates from reeds and foliage and occasionally sample nectar or soft fruit.
Preferred Environment
Forages in reedbeds, wet grasslands, and along field edges and village gardens near water. Frequently feeds in small flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species weaver groups in agricultural areas.
