Fox's weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is endemic to Uganda.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
It is restricted to central and eastern Uganda, especially papyrus swamps and seasonally flooded grasslands in the Lake Kyoga basin, including Lakes Bisina and Opeta. The species favors extensive stands of Cyperus papyrus, reeds, and hippo grass along quiet lake margins and backwaters. It nests over open water or in dense emergent vegetation where colonies can remain concealed. Outside breeding, it may disperse within the wetland mosaic following changes in water levels.
Altitude Range
900–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Fox's weaver is Uganda’s only endemic bird, confined to papyrus and seasonal wetlands around the Lake Kyoga system. It often breeds colonially, weaving intricate, hanging nests over water. The species can be elusive and highly localized, with numbers fluctuating as wetlands flood and dry. Protecting papyrus swamps is key to its long-term survival.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically breeds in small to medium colonies, weaving pendant nests attached to papyrus or reeds over water. Courtship includes male display and song near the nest site. Pairs may be seasonally monogamous, with both sexes involved in some aspects of nest defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a series of buzzy trills and harsh, chattering notes delivered from low perches in reeds or near the nest. Calls include sharp chips and rattles used to maintain contact within colonies.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow below with a contrasting black face and throat, and olive-brown, lightly streaked upperparts; non-breeding birds are duller and more olive-brown with less extensive black. Females are paler yellow to yellowish-buff below with streaked brown upperparts and lack the full black mask.
Diet
It takes grass seeds and other small seeds, complemented by insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. Foraging is mainly by gleaning from reed stems and papyrus heads or picking from the ground at shallow margins. It may sally short distances to catch small insects disturbed from vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along edges of papyrus swamps, flooded grasslands, and quiet lake backwaters. It also uses nearby damp fields and rice plots when available, staying close to cover.
