Rüppell's weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae, which is native to the northern Afrotropics. The species is named after the German zoologist and explorer Eduard Rüppell (1794–1884).
Region
Horn of Africa and southwestern Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in northeastern Africa, including Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and adjacent parts of Sudan and South Sudan, with populations extending across the Red Sea into Yemen and southwestern Saudi Arabia. It favors dry savannas, thorn scrub, coastal plains, wadis, and cultivated areas. The species adapts well to oases, towns, and gardens where suitable nesting trees are present. Colonies are often found in acacias, palms, and other thorny or flexible-canopied trees, sometimes near water for added protection.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Rüppell's weaver is a colonial weaver named after the German zoologist Eduard Rüppell. Males intricately weave multiple pendant nests from grass and palm strips to attract females, often over water or in thorny trees. It readily uses human-dominated habitats such as villages and plantations and can form noisy colonies near dwellings.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, nesting in clusters where males weave several nests and display to attract females. Polygynous tendencies are common, and nests are frequently placed in thorny trees or palms for protection. They tolerate proximity to humans and may nest in gardens or plantations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively, chattering series of buzzy trills, wheezy notes, and scolding calls delivered from within colonies. Males vocalize persistently during nest-building and display, creating a constant background chorus.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow below with yellow to olive upperparts and brown-streaked mantle; non-breeding birds and females are duller with more olive-buff tones and finer streaking. Bill is stout and conical, dark in breeding males and paler in non-breeding birds. Tail is relatively short; wings show subtle darker edging.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of grass seeds, grains, and other plant material, supplemented with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites, especially in the breeding season. It will also take nectar and small fruits when available. Around settlements, it may glean scraps and forage at grain stores.
Preferred Environment
Forages in open scrub, acacia woodland, fields, and village edges, often near its nesting colonies. Frequently feeds in small groups on the ground and in low vegetation.
