Bird · GBIF taxon 2494070
Black-headed Weaver
Ploceus melanocephalusAlso known as Yellow-backed Weaver
Black-headed weavers construct elaborate, spherical nests woven from strips of grass suspended over water or marshy terrain. Breeding males display striking jet-black heads paired with bright yellow backs and undersides, hanging upside down from unfinished nests while fluttering their wings to attract mates. Outside the breeding season, these social songbirds gather in noisy flocks across African wetlands and farmland.
SocialWetlandsColonial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grass seeds
- Cultivated grain
- Caterpillars
Predators
- African Harrier-Hawk
- Boomslang
- Vervet Monkey
ThreatsHabitat drainage and agricultural pest control
HabitatsMarshes, reedbeds, lake shores, and farmland
Life span5–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyPloceidae
- GenusPloceus
- SpeciesPloceus melanocephalus
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
- Listen for Colonies: Scan wetland reedbeds for buzzing chatter made by active nesting colonies.
- Watch Nest Building: Observe males weaving intricate grass domes while hanging upside down.
Close Relative (c) Bernard DUPONT, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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