The yellow-mantled weaver is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is sparsely distributed across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
Central and West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily through the African tropical rainforest, especially within the Congo Basin, extending locally into West and East Africa where suitable moist forest persists. It prefers primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest but also uses gallery forest, forest edges, and well-wooded plantations. Birds forage mainly in the canopy and subcanopy, sometimes descending to mid-levels along edges and clearings. It can persist in selectively logged forest if canopy structure remains. Nesting typically happens near watercourses or in quiet forest interiors.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The yellow-mantled weaver is a forest-dwelling weaver found patchily across the Congo Basin and adjacent regions. Like many weavers, males intricately weave suspended nests from grass and palm strips to attract females. It frequents the mid- to upper canopy and often joins mixed-species flocks while foraging. Its presence is a good indicator of intact tropical forest habitat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often moves in small groups and joins mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Males weave intricate, suspended nests from strips of grass or palm, usually in loose colonies. Females inspect multiple nests before selecting one for breeding. Both sexes may help with chick provisioning once a nest is accepted.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of chattering notes, buzzy trills, and squeaky calls delivered from cover in the mid-canopy. Alarm calls are sharper and more metallic, while softer contact calls keep small groups coordinated as they forage.
Plumage
Compact weaver with a bright yellow mantle and nape contrasting with darker olive to dusky upperparts; underparts yellow to yellow-olive. The head is darker with a sturdy, conical bill typical of weavers. Plumage shows clean contrast between the yellow mantle and the rest of the back, especially in good light.
Diet
Takes a mix of arthropods such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, complemented by seeds, small fruits, and occasionally nectar. It gleans prey from leaves and twigs and probes into clusters of foliage. Foraging is methodical and often accompanied by short flights between canopy branches.
Preferred Environment
Feeds primarily in the subcanopy and canopy of humid forest, along edges, and in tall secondary growth. It also exploits food resources in forested plantations and along riparian corridors within forest.
