The Loango weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in Angola, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, dry savanna, and swamps. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Central Africa (Atlantic Equatorial coast)
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily along the Atlantic coastal belt of Gabon, Republic of the Congo, western Democratic Republic of the Congo, and northern Angola. It favors swamp forests, flooded grasslands, and the edges of slow-flowing rivers and lagoons. Birds often forage and nest in stands of emergent vegetation such as reeds, sedges, and raffia palms. In drier seasons it may use adjacent dry forest and savanna edges but remains near wet habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Loango weaver is a colonial nest-builder that suspends intricately woven grass nests over water or in swampy vegetation. It is closely tied to coastal swamp forests and seasonally flooded savannas in the Loango region and surrounding areas of Central Africa. Habitat drainage, logging, and conversion of wetlands threaten its specialized breeding sites.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding arcs
Social Behavior
Typically breeds in loose colonies, placing nests over water to deter predators. Males weave pendant nests from grass and sedge strips to attract females and may be polygynous. Nests are often clustered in reeds, palms, or low overhanging branches near swamps.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of chatters, buzzes, and trills typical of weavers, delivered from exposed perches near colonies. Chorus singing is common at breeding sites, creating a constant background of metallic and nasal notes.
Plumage
Compact weaver with a bright yellow body and more olive-toned upperparts; males show a contrasting dark facial mask in breeding plumage. Females and non-breeding birds are duller yellow-olive with faint streaking on the back and lack the full mask. Plumage appears sleek with neatly woven tail and wing feathers.
Diet
Feeds on grass and sedge seeds, small insects, and other invertebrates. During breeding, it takes more protein-rich prey such as caterpillars and beetles to feed nestlings. It also gleans flower parts and occasionally small fruits. Foraging often occurs in small groups and mixed-species assemblies near water.
Preferred Environment
Forages in emergent vegetation along swamp edges, flooded meadows, and quiet backwaters. Also uses adjacent scrub and forest margins, especially where seed-bearing grasses are abundant.
