The southern brown-throated weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in southern Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in wetland systems including floodplains, marshes, reedbeds, and papyrus along slow rivers and lake margins. It favors dense emergent vegetation where nests can be anchored and dangled over open water. Birds also utilize artificial wetlands such as dam edges and irrigation impoundments when cover is sufficient. Outside the breeding season they may range into nearby moist grasslands and riparian thickets but remain closely tied to water.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A colonial weaver of reedbeds and floodplains, the southern brown-throated weaver suspends intricately woven nests over water for protection from predators. Breeding males show a distinctive brown throat patch against otherwise yellow tones, while females are duller and more olive. Males often build several nests to attract a mate. It is common in suitable wetlands of southern Africa and currently not considered threatened.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights over reeds
Social Behavior
Strongly colonial, often nesting in loose to dense groups over water. Males weave multiple pendant nests and display to attract females; females inspect and may reject unfinished or poorly placed nests. Nests are typically attached to reeds or papyrus stems; clutches are small and placed above open water to deter predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A chattering, buzzy series of twitters and nasal calls delivered from reed perches within the colony. Males vocalize frequently while building and during displays, creating a constant background chorus around breeding sites.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow to golden with a contrasting brown throat patch and darker olive-brown upperparts; non-breeding birds are duller with more olive-brown tones and pale underparts. Females are mostly olive-brown above with buffy-yellow underparts and a less distinct or paler throat area. The bill is stout and conical, suited to both weaving and seed feeding.
Diet
Takes a mix of grass seeds and small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and aquatic insects. During breeding, the proportion of animal prey increases to feed nestlings. It may also glean from reed stems and occasionally take nectar or plant matter when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages within and along dense emergent vegetation, often over shallow water and at the margins of floodplains and lagoons. Will visit adjacent moist grassland and riparian shrubs, especially outside the breeding season.
