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Overview
Yellow-capped weaver

Yellow-capped weaver

Wikipedia

The yellow-capped weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon.

Distribution

Region

Central Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland rainforests and swamp forests of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. It favors forest edges, riverine gallery forests, and secondary growth near clearings or villages. Birds often forage from the understory to the mid-canopy, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks. Nesting usually takes place near water, where colonies suspend nests from palms and other overhanging vegetation.

Altitude Range

0–1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm
Wing Span20–25 cm
Male Weight0.028 kg
Female Weight0.024 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

This Central African weaver is named for the male’s bright yellow crown during the breeding season. Like many weavers, males construct intricate, hanging, oval nests from strips of grass and palm leaves to attract females, often over water for protection. It commonly nests in small colonies and can be seen with other forest-edge birds.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Typically nests in small colonies, often near or over water. Males weave pendent nests and display to attract females; females inspect and may reject poorly built nests. Pairs are seasonal breeders, and birds may join mixed-species foraging groups outside the breeding period.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Song is a rapid series of chattering, buzzy notes interspersed with metallic ticks. Calls include sharp chips and scolds given during colony activity and foraging.

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