Speke's weaver is a familiar East African songbird.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely in savanna, thorn scrub, acacia woodland, riverine edges, and cultivated areas. It favors sites with scattered trees and shrubs, especially near water, but also occurs around villages and gardens. Colonies often form in acacias, palms, or tall shrubs, sometimes overhanging water. The species tolerates semi-arid conditions and uses both natural and human-made habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Speke's weaver is a familiar East African songbird named after explorer John Hanning Speke. Males weave intricate, hanging nests from strips of grass and leaves, often in colonies near water or in acacia trees. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes, frequenting gardens, farms, and towns. Its bright male plumage and busy nesting displays make it one of the region’s most conspicuous weavers.
Adult male in eclipse plumage
Immature bird with dark eye
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial breeder; males construct multiple pendent nests to attract females and may be polygynous. Nests are suspended from outer branch tips, often over water or open ground, which deters predators. Outside breeding, they gather in flocks and may roost communally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A continuous, busy mix of chatters, buzzes, and metallic notes, delivered especially by males at nest sites. Calls include sharp chips and scolds used to coordinate colony activity.
