The southern masked weaver, or African masked weaver, is a resident breeding bird species common throughout southern Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho, and parts of Zambia and Angola. It inhabits savanna, open woodland, river margins, reedbeds, and cultivated or suburban areas. Nests are commonly placed in colonies in trees or reeds near water. The species readily uses human-modified landscapes, including parks and farms. Local movements follow food and water availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males are famed for weaving intricate, pendulous nests from strips of grass and palm, often suspending them over water to deter predators. Females inspect multiple nests and may reject poorly built ones by tearing them down, prompting males to rebuild. The species is highly adaptable and often thrives in gardens and urban parks. It is polygynous, with one male courting several females within a colony.
Southern Masked Weaver female in Namibia
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Strongly colonial nesters, with many nests clustered in a single tree or reedbed. Males weave multiple nests and display to attract females, often hanging below the nest and fluttering. They are polygynous, and nest sites are defended vigorously. Both sexes participate in breeding activities, though males focus on nest construction and display.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Busy, chattering series of buzzy notes, trills, and harsh scolds delivered near colonies. Males produce persistent advertisement calls while displaying at nest entrances. Calls are sharp chips and raspy churrs, often overlapping in a chorus.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yellow with an olive-tinged back and a bold black facial mask; non-breeding males duller. Females are olive-brown above with streaking and yellowish underparts, lacking the full black mask. Plumage is sleek with a slightly glossy sheen in breeding males.
Diet
Eats grass seeds, grains, and a wide variety of insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and termites. During breeding, animal prey increases to provide protein for chicks. Also takes nectar and small pieces of fruit, and readily visits bird feeders for seeds or bread crumbs.
Preferred Environment
Forages in short grass, crop fields, and shrubbery, and gleans insects from foliage. Frequently feeds on the ground in small groups, especially around human settlements and water edges.
