The red-headed malimbe is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found in the African tropical rainforest belt, from Upper Guinea forests east through the Congo Basin. It favors primary and well-developed secondary evergreen forest, gallery forest, and swampy forest edges. Most activity is in the midstory to canopy, where it gleans insects from foliage, vines, and suspended dead leaves. It adapts to selectively logged forest and sometimes visits forest-edge farms and cocoa plantations when large trees remain intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A forest-dwelling weaver, the red-headed malimbe forages methodically along vines and dead leaf clusters to pick hidden insects. Pairs often duet with soft whistles and may join mixed-species flocks in the canopy. They weave neat, pendant nests with a downward-facing entrance, usually suspended over clearings or along edges of forest paths.
Red-headed Malimbe, juvenile
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically encountered in pairs or small family groups and often joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Pairs are monogamous and cooperate in nest building, weaving a pendant structure from plant fibers. Nests are usually placed over clearings, trails, or along forest edges.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of soft, thin whistles and tinkling notes, often given in duet between pair members. Calls include quiet chips and sibilant contact notes while foraging.
Plumage
Glossy black body with a striking bright red head and throat; females may show a slightly reduced red area. Feathers appear smooth and sleek, with a clean boundary between the red head and black body.
Diet
Primarily small arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, ants, and spiders, gleaned from foliage, vines, and dead leaf clusters. It occasionally probes under bark and among epiphytes for concealed prey. Some fruit and nectar may be taken opportunistically, especially at forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the midstory and canopy of mature rainforest and well-structured secondary forest. Also forages along forest trails, edges, and in tall shaded agroforestry where native trees persist.
