The vitelline masked weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in western, central, and eastern Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from West Africa across the Sahel and savanna belt through Central to East Africa, including countries such as Senegal, Gambia, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. It favors open woodland, thorn scrub, and savanna with scattered trees, especially near wetlands. Nests are commonly placed over rivers, lakes, and marsh edges. It readily uses agricultural areas, gardens, and village trees where suitable nesting sites and grasses are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males weave intricate, hanging nests from fresh grass strips and often build several to attract females. Colonies are noisy and conspicuous, frequently placed over water in acacia trees or reeds. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes and may nest near villages and farms.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in noisy colonies, often over water or in thorny trees; males construct multiple pendant nests and display by fluttering and calling. The species is polygynous, with females selecting a nest, lining it, and undertaking incubation and most chick care. Outside breeding, it forages in small flocks and may mix with other weavers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy mix of chatters, buzzes, and sizzling trills delivered repeatedly around colonies. Calls include harsh 'zzzz' notes and rapid chipping used in display and alarm.
Plumage
Breeding males are bright yolk-yellow with an olive-toned back and a bold black mask and throat; non-breeding males and females are duller yellow-olive with streaked upperparts and lack the full mask. Underparts are largely yellow with cleaner tones in males.
Diet
Consumes grass seeds and grains as staples, adding insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites, especially during the breeding season. Also takes small fruits and occasionally nectar. Forages by gleaning from foliage, probing seed heads, and picking on the ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open savanna, farmland, and wetland edges where grasses, seed heads, and insect prey are abundant. Often forages near nesting colonies in acacias, palms, and reeds, including in village settings.
