The red-bellied malimbe is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill tropical forests from southern Nigeria and Cameroon through Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, east to South Sudan and western Uganda. It inhabits primary rainforest as well as mature secondary growth, riverine gallery forest, and forest edges. Birds forage mainly in the midstory to canopy, frequently along lianas, vine tangles, and dead-leaf clusters. It tolerates selectively logged areas where canopy connectivity persists and may use forest–agriculture mosaics near villages.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A forest-dwelling weaver of Central Africa, the red-bellied malimbe is noted for its striking red belly contrasted against glossy black plumage. Like other weavers, it crafts intricate, suspended nests from plant fibers, often attached to lianas or thin branches. It forages actively in pairs or small groups and frequently joins mixed-species flocks in the forest midstory. Its song includes soft, metallic notes and duets between mates.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating progress
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species foraging parties. Nests are intricately woven and suspended from vines or thin branches, sometimes over clearings or water. Pairs are monogamous during the breeding season, and males display by emphasizing the red belly patch.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, metallic twitters, chips, and short whistles delivered from mid-canopy perches. Pairs may duet, with responsive exchanges that carry moderately through the forest.
Plumage
Glossy black overall with a vivid red patch on the lower breast to belly; plumage otherwise uniform and sleek.
Diet
Primarily consumes arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders gleaned from foliage, vines, and bark crevices. It also occasionally takes small fruits or berries, especially when insect prey is less abundant. Foraging is active and methodical, often probing into dead-leaf clusters and tangles where insects hide.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory to canopy of humid forest, especially along lianas, vine tangles, and at forest edges. Frequently forages in mixed flocks, benefiting from the disturbance created by other species.
