The Taveta weaver, also known as the Taveta golden weaver, is a species of bird in the weaver family, Ploceidae. It is found on the African savannah in Kenya and Tanzania. The name of the bird comes from the unique markings/coloration of the bird, as well as how these birds weave intricate nests.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Kenya into northeastern Tanzania, favoring savanna edges, riverine thickets, swamp margins, and coastal lowlands. It frequents reedbeds, papyrus fringes, and acacia scrub near water. Colonies are typically placed in reeds or overhanging branches above ponds and slow rivers for protection. Outside breeding, it disperses through adjacent grasslands, agricultural mosaics, and bushland.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The Taveta weaver, or Taveta golden weaver, is a social weaver that builds intricate, hanging nests from strips of grass and palm fibers, often over water. Males are bright yellow with a chestnut-toned head during breeding season and display near colonies to attract mates. They breed colonially and can be seen in mixed flocks outside the breeding season. Although locally common, they depend on wetlands and thicketed edges for safe nesting sites.
A golden weaver weaving an orb-shaped nest
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Highly colonial during breeding, with several dozen nests clustered in the same stand of reeds or trees. Males weave nest shells and display to entice females, often maintaining more than one nest. Pairs tend to be loosely monogamous within a season, and colonies are defended collectively against predators.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A lively series of buzzy trills, chatters, and metallic notes delivered from near the nest or prominent perches. Calls include sharp chips and scolding chatter when alarmed.
Plumage
Males show bright golden-yellow plumage with a chestnut-tinged head and face, clean yellow underparts, and slightly olive-washed upperparts. Females are duller, with olive-brown upperparts and yellowish underparts, lightly streaked above. The bill is stout and conical, black in breeding males and horn to dusky in females and non-breeding males.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of grass seeds, grains, and a wide variety of small invertebrates such as caterpillars, beetles, and termites. During breeding, it increases insect intake to provision nestlings with protein. It may also take nectar and soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tall grasses, reedbeds, and shrubby edges near water, often dropping to the ground or probing seed heads. It also visits cultivated fields and village edges, especially after rains when insects are abundant.
