Fauna
Bird

Spectacled Weaver

Ploceus ocularis

Spectacled 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
Spectacled Weaver reference1 / 7
(c) Bruno - Yolande Zanette, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCaterpillars, 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
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyPloceidae
  3. GenusPloceus
  4. SpeciesPloceus ocularis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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