The Príncipe weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is endemic to São Tomé and Príncipe, where it is found on the island of Príncipe. It was described by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1851. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Gulf of Guinea islands
Typical Environment
Occurs across Príncipe in subtropical to tropical moist lowland forest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It readily uses human-modified habitats such as cacao and palm plantations and village gardens. Nests are typically suspended from outer tree branches or palms, sometimes near clearings or water. The species is absent from open coastal scrub without trees but otherwise is widespread where suitable trees are present.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to the island of Príncipe in São Tomé and Príncipe, this weaver was described by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in 1851. Like other weavers, males intricately weave pendant nests from grasses and palm fibers, often in loose colonies. It frequents forest edges and secondary growth and adapts well to plantations and gardens. Its small range makes habitat protection on Príncipe especially important.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forms loose colonies during the breeding season, with males weaving pendant nests to attract females. Nests are placed high in trees or palms, usually over clearings or near water, and are defended vigorously. Outside breeding, it forages in small groups and mixes with other small passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of chatters, twitters, and buzzy notes delivered from exposed perches near colonies. Calls include short chips and scolds used to coordinate group movements and defend nest sites.
Plumage
Bright golden-yellow head and underparts with more olive to olive-brown upperparts; males are more saturated in breeding season, females duller yellow-olive. Feathers are sleek with a smooth, even texture; wings and tail show darker brown edging. Bill is stout and blackish.
Diet
Eats a mix of grass and weed seeds, small fruits, and a variety of insects and other arthropods. During breeding, it takes more protein-rich prey such as caterpillars, beetles, and termites to feed nestlings. It may also glean nectar or soft plant material opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, and gardens, gleaning from foliage and seedheads. It searches on outer branches, palm fronds, and occasionally the ground along paths and clearings.
