The bob-tailed weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is monotypic within the genus Brachycope. It is native to the Congo Basin.
Region
Congo Basin, Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, swamp forests, and along riverine edges within the Congo Basin. It frequents secondary growth, forest edges, and clearings with dense thickets. The species often keeps to the understory and lower midstory, where cover is thick. It is associated with wetlands and seasonally flooded habitats, using tangles of vegetation near water for nesting and foraging.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The bob-tailed weaver is the sole member of the genus Brachycope, notable for its unusually short tail among weavers. It inhabits the lowland forests and swampy margins of the Congo Basin and is often inconspicuous in dense vegetation. Like other weavers, it uses tough plant fibers to form intricately woven nests. Its conservation status is generally considered not at risk, though local habitat loss can affect populations.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, moving quickly through dense foliage as it forages. It weaves enclosed nests from grass or palm fibers, typically placed in dense vegetation, often near water. Breeding behavior likely involves displays by the male and careful nest placement to reduce predation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, chattering notes and twittering calls given from cover. Vocalizations are brief and contact-oriented rather than melodically complex.
Plumage
unknown
Diet
Feeds on a mix of grass seeds, small fruits, and a variety of invertebrates such as beetles and caterpillars. It gleans prey from leaves and stems and will pick seeds from seedheads. During breeding, it may take more protein-rich insect prey. Foraging is typically methodical and close to cover.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory, tangled vines, and thickets at forest edges and along swamp margins. It also uses secondary growth and shrubby clearings near water where seeds and insects are abundant.
