The Sakalava weaver sometimes known as the Sakalava fody is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is endemic to Madagascar. The bird is 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighs 20–28 g (0.71–0.99 oz).
Region
Western and southern Madagascar
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in Madagascar’s dry western and southern regions, frequenting open woodland, dry deciduous forest edges, spiny thicket, and savanna. It also uses agricultural mosaics, rice fields, and village groves, showing considerable tolerance of human presence. Colonies are often placed near water or in thorny vegetation for protection. Outside the breeding season, flocks roam across open habitats in search of seeds and insects.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A colonial weaver endemic to Madagascar, the Sakalava weaver is famous for the male’s intricate, pendant grass nests woven over water or thorny bushes. Males display and call near freshly built nests to attract females and may be polygynous. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes, often nesting near villages and fields. Despite local habitat changes, it remains widespread and is currently not considered at risk.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder; males weave suspended nests from grass strips and display to passing females. Nests are often clustered in thorny trees or over water for predator deterrence. Pairs may be seasonal, and males can mate with multiple females within a colony.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The vocalizations are brisk, chattering series of twitters and metallic notes typical of weavers. Displaying males give rapid, buzzy calls around the nest, interspersed with soft contact notes within the colony.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow with a contrasting dark facial mask and lightly streaked brownish upperparts; non-breeding males and females are duller, brown and heavily streaked with pale underparts. The bill is thick and conical, darker in breeding males. Wings and tail are brown with subtle edging.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of grass seeds, grains, and small invertebrates such as insects and larvae. During breeding, it increases insect intake to provision nestlings with protein. It will also take flower parts or nectar occasionally. In agricultural areas, it forages in fields and along field margins.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the ground, in low shrubs, and among seed heads in open habitats, field edges, and village groves. Frequently feeds near colonies and uses nearby water sources and thickets for cover.
