The Katanga masked weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Zambia.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjoining northern Zambia, especially on the Katanga Plateau. It favors open savannas, miombo woodland edges, riparian thickets, and wetland margins with reeds or bushes. It also uses dambos, seasonally flooded grasslands, and agricultural mosaics where shrubs and small trees are available for nesting. Colonies are typically placed near water in shrubs or small trees.
Altitude Range
900–1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Katanga masked weaver forms noisy breeding colonies and the males weave intricate, pendulous nests from fresh grass strips, often over water to deter predators. Females inspect multiple nests and choose mates partly based on nest quality. Like other weavers, it can adapt to lightly altered habitats near villages and fields. Its restricted range centers on the Katanga Plateau and adjacent areas of northern Zambia.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial during breeding, with several to dozens of nests in a single tree or reedbed. Males are polygynous and construct multiple nests, often displaying while hanging below them. Nests are typically suspended over water or in thorny shrubs to reduce predation risk.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy chorus of chattering, buzzy trills, and scolding notes interspersed with sharp chips. Males give rapid, repetitive phrases while displaying at the nest, creating a constant background chatter around colonies.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow with a distinct black facial mask and darker olive-brown upperparts; nonbreeding males and females are duller yellow-olive with streaked backs. Underparts are mostly yellow, with cleaner tones in males. Feathers appear smooth and close-fitting, giving a sleek look.
Diet
Eats grass seeds, grains, and a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites, especially during the breeding season. It may take nectar or soft fruits opportunistically. The mix of plant and animal matter shifts seasonally with rainfall and breeding demands.
Preferred Environment
Forages low in shrubs, in seed-rich grasses, along field edges, and around wetland margins. Often feeds in small groups, sometimes joining mixed flocks of other weavers and finches near villages and water.
