The spectacled weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found widely in woodland, forest edge and gardens of central, eastern and south-eastern Africa, but is absent from the most arid regions and dense, primary rainforest. This common species breeds in solitary pairs, and both sexes are bright yellow, have an olive-yellow back, black "spectacles" and pale eyes. The male has a black throat.
Region
Central, Eastern and Southeastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from central through eastern to southeastern Africa in woodland, forest edge, riverine thickets, and well-vegetated gardens. It avoids very arid zones and dense, unbroken primary rainforest. Common around parks and suburban areas where trees and shrubs provide cover. Often found near watercourses and in moist savanna mosaics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Spectacled weavers are bright yellow weavers with a distinctive black mask or 'spectacles' around pale eyes, making them easy to identify. Unlike many weavers, they usually breed in solitary pairs rather than large colonies. They weave neat, oval nests suspended from branches, often over water or in well-foliaged garden trees. They readily adapt to edges of woodland and suburban gardens across much of eastern and southeastern Africa.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary pairs that defend small territories. The nest is an oval, tightly woven structure suspended from a branch, often over water or in dense foliage. The male typically initiates the weave and displays near the nest; the female inspects and may assist with completion and lining. Clutches are small, and pairs may raise multiple broods in good seasons.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, whistled notes and sweet trills, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp chits and a harsh chatter when alarmed. The song is repetitive but musical, carrying well through edge habitats and gardens.
Plumage
Bright yellow underparts with olive-yellow back and mantle; neat, smooth plumage with a contrasting facial mask. Male shows a black throat patch; female lacks or has a much duller throat patch. Both sexes show the characteristic black 'spectacles' framing a pale eye.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, gleaned from leaves and twigs. Also takes fruit, nectar, and occasionally seeds, especially outside the breeding season. Will visit flowering shrubs and fruiting trees in gardens and forest edges. Opportunistically hawks small prey in short flights from perches.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid-story and canopy of trees and shrubs along woodland edges, riverine vegetation, and suburban gardens. Frequently works through foliage methodically, sometimes joining mixed-species parties outside the breeding season.
