The white-billed buffalo weaver is a resident breeding bird species in most of Africa south of the Sahara Desert.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Sahel across East Africa into parts of southern East Africa. Favors open savanna, thornbush and Acacia woodland, riparian edges, and cultivated areas. Readily uses human-modified habitats, including towns, gardens, and fields. Avoids dense forest and true desert but thrives in semi-arid to mesic open country.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This large weaver builds bulky communal nests from thorny sticks, often in Acacia trees, palms, or on man-made structures like pylons. Colonies can persist for years and contain multiple chambers used for breeding and roosting. Adults have a distinctive ivory-white bill, while juveniles start with a darker bill. The species adapts well to human-altered landscapes, frequently foraging around villages and farmland.
Illustration by Jean-Gabriel Prêtre
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, purposeful flight
Social Behavior
Highly colonial, forming large, noisy groups that build massive stick nests with multiple chambers. Nests are placed high in thorny trees or on structures and may be reused and added to over successive seasons. Groups forage together on the ground and roost communally. Breeding involves complex social interactions, with both sexes contributing to nest use and defense.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh chatters, rattles, and grating squeaks rather than melodious song. Calls carry over long distances around colonies and intensify during breeding and territorial disputes.
