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Overview
Weyns's weaver

Weyns's weaver

Wikipedia

Wayne's weaver is a bird species of the Ploceidae family.

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Distribution

Region

Central Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in the Central African/Grea t Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, and adjacent areas. It favors papyrus swamps, flooded grasses, riparian thickets, and swampy forest edges along rivers and lakes. Colonies are often sited over slow-moving water where emergent vegetation is dense. Outside breeding, it uses adjacent moist woodland and cultivated edges near wetlands. Local movements track water levels and seasonal food availability.

Altitude Range

600–1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size13–15 cm
Wing Span20–25 cm
Male Weight0.025 kg
Female Weight0.022 kg
Life Expectancy8 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Weyns's weaver is a colonial nest-builder that intricately weaves oval, suspended nests over water or in dense wetland vegetation. Males often construct several starter nests to attract females, which then inspect and choose. It is named after the Belgian collector who worked in the Congo Basin. Like many weavers, it forms noisy breeding colonies with constant chattering and display flights.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
at Nairobi National Museum(eyes should be yellow).

at Nairobi National Museum(eyes should be yellow).

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with brief undulations

Social Behavior

Highly colonial during breeding, with many nests clustered in a small area over water. Males weave nests and perform display flights and wing-flicks to attract females, and the species is often polygynous. Nests are suspended from reeds or branches above water to deter predators.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

A lively series of chattering notes, buzzes, and sharp twitters delivered in bursts around the colony. Males vocalize frequently while displaying near fresh nests. Calls include harsh scolds and softer contact chips within feeding flocks.

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