Bocage's weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in riparian zones of Angola, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northwestern Zambia.
Region
South-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in riparian zones and gallery forests of Angola, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (including the Katanga region), and northwestern Zambia. It favors river edges, floodplains, and wet thickets, often with reeds, papyrus, or overhanging shrubs and trees. The species also uses moist woodland and miombo edges near water and can forage in nearby cultivated fields. Colonies are typically placed over or adjacent to water for protection.
Altitude Range
200–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Bocage's weaver is a colonial nest-builder that weaves intricately woven, hanging nests from grass strips, often suspended over water to deter predators. Males display bright breeding plumage and construct multiple nests to attract females, a classic weaver behavior. The species is closely tied to riparian habitats and gallery vegetation. It is named in honor of the Portuguese naturalist José Vicente Barbosa du Bocage.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial during breeding, with numerous nests clustered in one site, usually over water. Males weave multiple nests and may be polygynous, while females perform most incubation and chick-rearing. Nests are retort-shaped or oval, woven from fresh grass blades and typically attached to flexible branches or reed stems.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy chorus of sharp chitters, buzzy twitters, and scratchy trills delivered continuously around colonies. Calls include harsh scolds and softer contact notes while foraging.
Plumage
Male in breeding plumage is bright yellow with an olive-brown back and darker wings; non-breeding birds and females are duller yellow-olive with faint streaking above. Plumage is sleek with a compact, tidy appearance typical of weavers.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of grass seeds and small invertebrates, including beetles, caterpillars, and other arthropods. Seeds dominate outside the breeding season, while animal prey increases when feeding nestlings. It will also glean flower parts and occasionally visit crops near rivers.
Preferred Environment
Forages along reedbeds, riverbanks, and wet thickets, often moving between waterside vegetation and adjacent open ground. Small flocks may exploit farmland margins and grassy clearings near water.
