The blue-billed malimbe or Gray's malimbe is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
Region
West and Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Upper Guinea forests (e.g., Sierra Leone to Ghana) through the Lower Guinea and Congolian forest blocks, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo Basin. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest but also uses forest edges, riverine strips, and selectively logged areas where canopy connectivity remains. Birds forage from the understory to mid-canopy, frequently along lianas and palms. It is generally absent from open savanna and heavily fragmented farmland. Local persistence depends on forest cover and the availability of suitable nesting substrates.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The blue-billed malimbe, also known as Gray's malimbe, is a small forest weaver of West and Central Africa notable for its distinctive bluish bill. It weaves compact, pendant nests suspended from vines or palm fronds. The species often forages acrobatically along lianas and palm leaves and may join mixed-species flocks. Unlike some brighter malimbes, it relies more on subtle plumage and its bill color for identification.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups and often associates with mixed-species flocks. The species builds neatly woven, hanging nests attached to vines or palm fronds, typically placed over clearings or trails. Nesting is cooperative at times, with pairs defending a small area within suitable forest patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin whistles and soft chatter, delivered from cover. Calls include sharp ticks and sibilant notes used to keep contact while foraging.
Plumage
Mostly glossy black with a subtle brownish-chestnut sheen on the lower underparts; sleek, tight feathering typical of weavers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods gleaned from leaves, bark, and hanging dead foliage. It also takes small fruits and occasionally nectar, especially from palms and forest vines. Foraging is agile, with frequent hanging and probing in tangles and lianas. It may join mixed flocks to exploit disturbed insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the lower to mid-canopy of intact or lightly disturbed rainforest, along forest edges, and in riparian corridors. Often works along lianas, palm fronds, and vine tangles where prey is concentrated.
