The Lufira masked weaver, also known as Ruwet's masked weaver or the Lake Lufira weaver, is a species of bird in the weaver family, Ploceidae. It is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its natural habitat is swamps in the south-east part of the country. It is sometimes regarded as a subspecies of the Tanzanian masked weaver.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in and around the wetlands of the Upper Lufira system, especially reedbeds and papyrus swamps fringing Lake Lufira and associated reservoirs. It favors dense emergent vegetation along slow-moving channels, lagoon margins, and seasonally flooded grasslands. Colonies are often situated over open water where nests can hang safely from reeds. It may also use nearby riparian thickets and marshy edges influenced by water-level fluctuations.
Altitude Range
900–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Ruwet's masked weaver or the Lake Lufira weaver, this species is restricted to wetlands around Lake Lufira in southeastern DR Congo. Males weave intricate, pendulous nests over water and display near them to attract females. It has sometimes been treated as a subspecies of the Tanzanian masked weaver but is generally recognized as distinct.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, often nesting in sizeable groups over water. Males weave several pendulous nests and display to attract females; polygyny is common. Females typically handle most incubation, with both parents feeding nestlings when successful.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The song is a harsh, buzzy chatter interspersed with squeaky and metallic notes, delivered during display at the nest. Calls include sharp chinks and chatters typical of weavers, carrying well over reedbeds.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow with a solid black facial mask extending through the throat, and olive-tinged brown upperparts. Nonbreeding males and females are duller yellow to olive-yellow with streaked brown upperparts and lack the full black mask, showing a more diffuse face pattern. The plumage is sleek, with contrasting yellow underparts and darker wings.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of grass seeds and other plant matter complemented by insects and their larvae, especially during the breeding season. Forages by gleaning from reed stems and seed heads and by picking prey from foliage. Will also take small arthropods such as spiders and occasionally nectar or soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along the edges of papyrus and reedbeds, in marshy margins, and among flooded grasses. Often forages in small flocks, moving through emergent vegetation and adjacent damp ground.
