The grey-capped social weaver is a sparrow-like liver-colored bird, with a pale grey crown, a dark grey bill, a whitish eye-ring, horn-colored legs, with some black in the wing and a light terminal band in the tail, that builds roofed nests made of straws, breeds in colonies in thorny Acacia trees, and feeds in groups gathering grass seeds and insects. Male and female have near identical plumage. DNA-analysis confirms it is part of the weaver family. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in dry savannas, thornbush, and semi-arid grasslands with scattered Acacia. It also uses scrubby edges, lightly grazed rangeland, and farmlands near water sources. Nests are placed in small colonies in thorny trees which deter predators. The species is recorded from Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small weaver nests in tight colonies, weaving roofed, ball-like structures of dry grass with a side entrance, usually in thorny Acacia trees for protection. Pairs and helpers may maintain several nests used for breeding and roosting. It forages in chattering flocks and often associates with other weavers and finches. DNA studies confirm it belongs to the weaver family (Ploceidae).
Arriving with building material
Nest with two entrances below
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in small to medium colonies, placing roofed woven nests in thorny Acacia. Both sexes build and maintain nests; pairs may reuse or add to nests for roosting. Typically forms flocks outside breeding, often mixing with other granivorous birds.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high-pitched chips, twitters, and trills, given frequently within colonies. Constant chatter at nest trees creates a busy soundscape, with sharper alarm notes when disturbed.
Plumage
Sparrow-like, warm brown to liver-colored upperparts with a pale grey crown, pale underparts, and some black in the wings; tail shows a light terminal band.
Diet
Primarily takes grass seeds and small grains gleaned from the ground and low vegetation. Supplements diet with insects such as termites, beetles, and caterpillars, especially during the breeding season. Will visit crop edges and feed near livestock where seeds and insects are more accessible.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open ground in arid savanna and thorn scrub, often under Acacia canopies. Also uses field margins, paths, and waterhole edges where seeds accumulate.
