The Kilombero weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is endemic to Tanzania.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs almost exclusively in the seasonally inundated grasslands and wetlands of the Kilombero floodplain. It favors tall grasses, reedbeds, and papyrus stands adjacent to slow-moving channels and backwaters. Colonies are typically placed over open water or flooded grasses, which helps deter predators. Outside the breeding season it forages in surrounding wet grasslands and at the fringes of rice paddies.
Altitude Range
200–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Kilombero weaver is a little-known weaver discovered relatively recently and confined to Tanzania’s Kilombero floodplain. Males weave intricate, suspended nests over water and display in noisy colonies to attract females. Its specialized wetland habitat is threatened by conversion to agriculture, making conservation of the floodplain crucial. It is often seen near rice fields and seasonal swamps during the breeding season.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial during breeding, with males constructing multiple woven nests suspended over water to entice females. Nests are often clustered in small groups on reeds or overhanging vegetation. Pairs are seasonally monogamous or polygynous depending on nest success and colony density.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy series of chatters, buzzes, and metallic notes delivered from reed perches near colonies. Males call persistently while displaying, interspersing harsh scolds with softer twittering.
Plumage
Breeding male with bright yellow body, darker olive-tinged upperparts, and a contrasting black face and throat; nonbreeding male duller with more olive and brown tones. Female is brownish-olive above with pale, streaked underparts and a faint supercilium. Both sexes show a stout weaver bill and relatively short tail.
Diet
Takes small seeds from grasses and sedges and supplements with insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. During the breeding season it increases animal prey to feed chicks. It will opportunistically glean seeds from harvested or ripening rice edges. Foraging is mostly by gleaning and picking from stems, seed-heads, and low foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along the margins of shallow water, flooded grasses, and reedbeds. Also uses the edges of rice paddies and damp pastures adjacent to natural wetland patches.
