The dark-backed weaver, also known as the forest weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is very sparsely present across central and southern Sub-Saharan Africa.
Region
East and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found from coastal Kenya and Tanzania south through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and into northeastern South Africa, with scattered populations in adjacent inland forests. It inhabits lowland and coastal forests, riverine woodland, forest edges, and dense secondary growth. The species favors closed-canopy or semi-closed habitats with abundant foliage and weaving materials. It generally avoids open grassland and arid savanna.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the forest weaver, this species is famous for tightly synchronized male–female duets, where partners weave their songs together in near-perfect timing. It builds a neat, pendant woven nest in forest and dense woodland. Both sexes look similar, with a dark olive-brown back contrasting with bright yellow underparts.
Temperament
pair-oriented and somewhat secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family groups within forested habitats. Pairs are territorial and perform precise antiphonal duets. Nests are woven and suspended from branches, often placed in dense foliage; they may breed solitarily or in loose, scattered groups.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, mellow series of whistles and trills often delivered as an antiphonal duet, with male and female alternating notes seamlessly. Songs carry well through forest, and contact calls are soft chips used to stay in touch in dense cover.
Plumage
Dark olive-brown to dusky back with yellow underparts and a slightly olive-washed head; plumage is smooth and unbarred, giving a clean two-tone look.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and other arthropods gleaned from leaves and bark. It also takes fruits, berries, and occasionally seeds, especially outside the breeding season. Opportunistically consumes nectar from flowering trees.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-canopy to upper understory of forests and along dense edges. Often searches methodically among leaves, creepers, and lianas, and may join mixed-species parties in suitable habitat.
