Holub's golden weaver, also known as the African golden weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. The common name commemorates the Czech naturalist Emil Holub. It is found from Gabon to Uganda and Kenya, south to northern Namibia, northern Botswana and eastern South Africa. They have a yellow on their heads and light yellow eyes. They live for four years. Their usual call sounds like "chichi-chichi-chi-squirr ski-wee" but there is some variation from regions so some contact calls are a short "chirp.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Gabon and the Congo Basin east to Uganda and western Kenya, and south into northern Namibia, northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, and parts of eastern South Africa. Prefers wetlands, river margins, floodplains, papyrus and reedbeds, and moist savanna near water. Also uses cultivated areas and gardens if dense shrubs and tall grasses are present. Colonies are typically established near standing or slow-flowing water where nest support vegetation is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Named after the Czech naturalist Emil Holub, this weaver is famed for its intricate, suspended nests woven from fresh grass blades, often over water to deter predators. Males are vivid golden-yellow in breeding season and may build several nests to attract females. Colonies can be noisy and conspicuous, especially during the breeding period. They are sometimes called African golden weavers in older literature, which can cause confusion with the coastal African golden weaver (Ploceus subaureus).
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding hops between reeds and shrubs
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder; males weave multiple pendant nests from fresh grass and display to passing females. Nests are usually suspended over water in reeds, papyrus, or low trees. Polygynous mating is common, and colonies may include dozens of nests in close proximity. Outside breeding, they form small flocks that move locally following seeding grasses and water levels.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The voice is a busy series of chattering notes and bright chips, often rendered as chichi-chichi-chi followed by a squeaky ski-wee. Males call persistently around colonies, with simple contact notes used to maintain cohesion. Calls vary regionally but retain a sharp, metallic quality.
