The eastern golden weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in eastern and south-eastern Africa. Alternative names used for the eastern golden weaver include yellow weaver, olive-headed golden weaver, and African golden weaver.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal East Africa southwards through riverine and coastal lowlands, favoring wetlands and moist thickets. It frequents reedbeds, papyrus swamps, lakeshores, river margins, and mangrove fringes. It also uses flooded grasslands, rice paddies, and suburban gardens near water. Nests are typically placed over water to deter predators.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The eastern golden weaver is a bright yellow weaver of wetlands and coastal thickets in eastern and south‑eastern Africa. Males are prolific nest-builders, often weaving several spherical, grass nests suspended over water to attract females. They breed in noisy colonies and frequently use reeds, papyrus, or mangrove edges for nesting. This species is sometimes confused with other golden weavers but lacks a dark facial mask.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Colonial breeder often forming dense, noisy groups near water. Males weave multiple pendant nests from grass and display to attract females; females inspect and line accepted nests. Typically polygynous, with several nests clustered on the same reedbed or shrub. Both sexes defend the immediate nest area against intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy, chattering series of buzzy trills and scolding notes delivered from reeds or nest sites. Males frequently call while weaving and display in chorus within colonies.
Plumage
Male is bright golden-yellow with an olive-tinged head and darker wings; female is duller yellow-olive with streaked upperparts. Feathers are sleek and glossy in males during breeding season.
Diet
Eats grass seeds, grains, and a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. During breeding, insects form a larger proportion of the diet for feeding nestlings. It also takes flower parts and occasionally nectar.
Preferred Environment
Forages in reedbeds, along marsh edges, and in low shrubs near water. Will feed on the ground in damp grass and at the margins of rice fields and ponds.
