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.
Plumage
Male with bright yellow body, olive-tinged upperparts, and a contrasting black face and throat; female duller with olive-brown upperparts and paler, lightly streaked underparts. Plumage is smooth with compact contour feathers, and males show crisp contrast during breeding season.
Diet
Consumes grass seeds, grains, and a variety of small invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites. During breeding, insects are especially important for chick provisioning. It may also take nectar and small fruits opportunistically. In agricultural areas, it forages on spilled grain and crop edges.
Preferred Environment
Forages in shrubs and trees, on the ground beneath acacias, and along field margins and roadsides. Frequently seen feeding near water and in gardens where flowering shrubs and seed sources are abundant.
