Bird · GBIF taxon 2494073
Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver
Bubalornis nigerAlso known as Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Black Buffalo-Weaver
Red-billed buffalo-weavers build massive communal stick nests high in thorny acacias or baobab trees, creating multi-chambered avian apartments that house several breeding pairs. Males showcase a striking bright red bill against soot-black plumage and perform energetic displays to defend nesting territories within the colony. Groups forage together on the ground for grasshoppers, beetles, and fallen seeds, maintaining continuous loud chattering to stay connected.
SocialSavannaColonial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasshoppers
- Beetles
- Acacia seeds
Predators
- Boomslangs
- Gabar Goshawks
- Wild Cats
ThreatsLocal habitat loss and clearing of large nesting trees
HabitatsDry savanna, thornveld, and open acacia woodland
Life span5–10 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyPloceidae
- GenusBubalornis
- SpeciesBubalornis niger
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 Colonies: Look for massive, untidy stick structures in high baobab or acacia forks.
- Listening for Calls: Listen for loud, harsh squeaks and chattering echoing from thornveld trees.
- Observing Foragers: Scan open ground beneath large trees where small groups hop about seeking insects.
Image unavailableSavanna Neighbor Close Relative 
Family Member Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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