The Tanzanian masked weaver, or Tanganyika masked weaver, is a species of bird in the weaver family, Ploceidae. It is found in and around swamps in south-western Tanzania and north-eastern Zambia. The Lufira masked weaver is sometimes treated as a subspecies of this bird.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
This species inhabits swamps, reedbeds, papyrus stands, and flooded grasslands in southwestern Tanzania and adjacent northeastern Zambia. It favors the margins of shallow lakes, slow rivers, and seasonal floodplains with tall emergent vegetation. Birds also forage along rice paddies and wet fields when available. Colonies are typically placed over open water where nests hang from reeds to deter predators.
Altitude Range
700–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Tanzanian masked weaver is a colonial nest-builder that weaves intricate, hanging nests from grass and reed strips over water. Males often construct multiple nests and display to attract females, which inspect and accept or reject them. It is closely related to other masked weavers; the Lufira masked weaver is sometimes treated as a subspecies.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights between reedbeds
Social Behavior
Highly colonial during the breeding season, with many nests clustered in reeds over water. Males are polygynous and perform display flights and calls around freshly woven nests. Females conduct nest inspections and handle most incubation and chick feeding, while males may start additional nests nearby.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A constant chattering chorus at colonies, with buzzy trills, chatters, and harsh scolds. Males give rapid, repetitive notes during display, interspersed with rasping calls around the nest.
Plumage
Breeding males show a contrasting black facial mask with bright yellow head and underparts and olive-tinged greenish upperparts; non-breeding males are duller. Females are brownish-olive above with faint streaking and buffy underparts, lacking the full black mask. Both sexes have sturdy, conical bills suited to weaving and seed-cracking.
Diet
Feeds on grass seeds, grains, and a variety of small invertebrates including aquatic insects, larvae, and spiders. During breeding it takes more protein-rich prey for nestlings. It also opportunistically gleans seeds from rice or other wet-field crops near colonies.
Preferred Environment
Forages among reeds, papyrus, and sedges, clinging acrobatically to stems and seed heads. Also feeds along wet margins, floating vegetation, and adjacent damp fields.
