The scaly-feathered weaver, also known as the scaly-feathered finch, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in arid and semi-arid zones including the Kalahari and adjacent thornbush and savanna. It favors open scrub with scattered acacias, dry grasslands, and lightly wooded farmland edges. The species avoids dense forest and very humid coastal habitats, but can be locally common near waterholes and settlements where grass seeds are abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the scaly-feathered finch, this tiny weaver gets its name from the pale-edged feathers on the head and breast that create a scaly look. It builds compact, ball-shaped grass nests with a side entrance, often tucked into thorny shrubs in arid savanna. Pairs may roost in old nests outside the breeding season and often forage in small, chattering parties.
Adult at the spherical grass nest
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically found in pairs or small flocks, often family groups. Both sexes build the domed grass nest and attend the young; nests may be clustered loosely in suitable shrubs. Outside breeding, they roost communally in old nests and move about together while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, tinkling series of trills and twitters, frequently delivered from a conspicuous perch near the nest. Contact calls are buzzy and quick, keeping small groups coordinated while feeding.
Plumage
Fine, pale-edged feathers on the head and breast create a scaly appearance over sandy-brown to grey upperparts and whitish underparts. Wings and tail are brown with pale fringes; plumage is crisp and neatly patterned for a small weaver.
Diet
Primarily takes small grass seeds and other dry-season grains, husking them with its stout conical bill. During breeding it supplements with small insects such as termites, beetles, and caterpillars to provide protein for chicks. It forages mostly on or near the ground, also gleaning seed heads from low grasses and shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Open, dry thornbush and savanna with scattered shrubs and grasses, including edges of farmland and around waterholes. Often feeds along bare ground patches, tracks, and beneath seeding grasses.
