The Golden-Backed Weaver, also known as Jackson's weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. This family of birds are called weavers, because they commonly weave their nests from grasses, stems, and other plant materials. Their nests are hung off of trees, or other tall places. More specifically, the Golden-backed Weavers nests are woven to look like tear-drops. These birds have bright coloring, but are often confused with other birds, and are found in various parts of Africa and Asia.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs around the Lake Victoria basin and adjacent highlands in Kenya, Uganda, and northern Tanzania. It favors wetlands, papyrus and reedbeds, riparian thickets, and nearby farmland and gardens. Colonies are commonly placed over water or along swamp edges, where nest access is safer from predators. It also uses open woodland and acacia scrub near water and human settlements.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Jackson's weaver, this species is a colonial nester that weaves intricate, pendulous, tear‑drop nests from strips of grass and reeds. Breeding males show a striking golden back and black head, while non-breeding birds are duller and streaked. Colonies are often loud and conspicuous near wetlands and cultivated areas. They are native to East Africa and do not migrate long distances.
From The Ibis, 1888
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, with dozens of nests clustered over water or in waterside vegetation. Males weave multiple nests to attract females and may be polygynous. Nests are tear-drop shaped with a downward-facing entrance, woven from strips of grass and reeds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Noisy, with continuous chatter, buzzing, and harsh rasping notes, especially around colonies. Males deliver rapid, excited sputtering trills while displaying at nest entrances.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright with a golden mantle and back, black head and throat, and yellow underparts; non-breeding birds are more olive-brown with streaking and a pale face. Females and juveniles are duller, with brownish upperparts and yellowish underparts.
Diet
Takes seeds and grains from grasses and crops, and supplements with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites, particularly during the breeding season. Will also pick at flower parts and small fruits. Forages both on the ground and by gleaning from stems and seed heads.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along wetland margins, in reedbeds, and in adjacent fields and gardens. Often forages in mixed flocks with other weavers and small passerines, especially after breeding.
