Bird · GBIF taxon 2494033
Spectacled Weaver
Ploceus ocularisSpectacled weavers are monogamous songbirds that live in quiet, solitary pairs rather than the noisy colonies typical of many weaver species. They build intricate, retort-shaped nests with a long downward-pointing entrance tube hanging from drooping branches or palm fronds. Both sexes forage methodically along limbs and foliage, probing bark and leaf clusters for insects using their sharp, pointed bills.
InsectivorousIntricate NestingSongbird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Caterpillars
- Spiders
- Grasshoppers
Predators
- Tree snakes
- African harrier-hawks
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat loss and clearing of native riverine thickets
HabitatsWoodlands, forest edges, riverine thickets, and leafy gardens
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyPloceidae
- GenusPloceus
- SpeciesPloceus ocularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for solitary pairs creeping methodically along thick vegetation probing for insects.
- Nest Identification: Scan drooping tree branches near water for woven retort nests with long entrance tubes.
- Listening: Listen for a distinctive descending whistle duet echoed between breeding mates.
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