The nelicourvi weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. Together with its closest relative, the sakalava weaver, it is sometimes placed in a separate genus Nelicurvius. A slender, sparrow-like bird, it is 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighing 20–28 g (0.71–0.99 oz). Breeding males have a black bill and head, brown eyes, yellow collar, grey belly, chestnut-brown lower tail coverts, olive back, and blackish flight feathers edged greenish. Non-breeding males have mottled grey and green heads. In the breeding female the front of the head is yellow and the back olive green, with a broad yellow eyebrow. It builds solitary, roofed, retort-shaped nests, hanging by a rope from a branch, vine or bamboo stem, in an open space. It primarily feeds on insects, looking on its own or in very small groups, often together with long-billed bernieria. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland and mountain forests. The conservation status of Nelicourvi weaver is least concern according to the IUCN Red List.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in the humid evergreen forests of eastern Madagascar, from lowland rainforest to montane forest. It uses forest edges, clearings, bamboo thickets, and secondary growth, provided there is dense foliage for foraging and suitable branches for nest suspension. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance but depends on structurally complex, moist forest. It forages from the understory to mid-canopy and will venture into gaps and along streams.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The nelicourvi weaver is a Malagasy forest weaver that nests singly rather than in colonies, weaving a distinctive roofed, retort-shaped nest suspended by a long stalk. Breeding males show a striking black head with a bright yellow collar, while females have a broad yellow eyebrow and olive upperparts. It often joins mixed-species flocks and is frequently seen foraging with the long-billed bernieria. Despite its limited range, it remains fairly common in suitable habitat.
male in the initial stage of nest building
Temperament
solitary to loosely social
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, occasionally in very small groups and often within mixed-species flocks. Nests are built singly, the male weaving a roofed, retort-shaped nest that hangs by a long stalk; the female lines the interior. Pairs form during the breeding season, and both parents attend the young. Clutches are small, and nesting sites are usually over open spaces or near gaps for protection.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of thin, sibilant notes and buzzy trills delivered from mid-story perches. Calls include soft chips and rapid, dry rattles used during foraging and pair contact.
