Black-headed weaver

Scientific name: Ploceus melanocephalus

IUCN listed as: Least Concern

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Everyday

Diet

The black-headed weaver primarily feeds on seeds, grains, and insects. They often forage in small flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. These birds are known to feed on cultivated crops, which sometimes brings them into conflict with farmers. Their diet is supplemented with nectar and fruits when available.

 

Black-headed weavers mostly eat seeds, grains, and insects. They like to look for food in small groups, especially when they’re not having babies. Sometimes, they eat crops from farms, which can make farmers unhappy. They also enjoy nectar and fruits when they can find them.

Breeding

Black-headed weavers are known for their intricate and elaborate nests, which the males build to attract females. The nests are woven from grass and other plant materials and are often suspended from tree branches. A female will choose a mate based on the quality of his nest. She typically lays 2 to 3 eggs, which she incubates for about 12 to 14 days, with chicks fledging around 17 to 20 days after hatching.

 

Black-headed weavers are known for their intricate and elaborate nests, which the males build to attract females. The nests are woven from grass and other plant materials and are often suspended from tree branches. A female will choose a mate based on the quality of his nest. She typically lays 2 to 3 eggs, which she incubates for about 12 to 14 days, with chicks fledging around 17 to 20 days after hatching.

 

Habitat

Black-headed weavers are found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and wetlands. They are commonly seen near water bodies, such as lakes and rivers, where there are plenty of trees for nesting. These birds are adaptable and can also be found in agricultural areas and gardens. Their range includes parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, where they are widespread and common.

 

Black-headed weavers live in places like savannas, grasslands, and wetlands. They are often found near water, like lakes and rivers, where there are lots of trees for nesting. They can also live in farm areas and gardens. They are common in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, black-headed weavers are provided with environments that mimic their natural habitats, complete with plenty of nesting materials. Their diet includes a variety of seeds, grains, insects, and fruits to ensure balanced nutrition. Zoos often have breeding programmes to help maintain healthy populations and to educate visitors about these birds. Enrichment activities, such as providing new nesting materials and live insects, keep them engaged and active.

 

In zoos, black-headed weavers live in places that look like their natural homes, with lots of stuff to build nests. They eat seeds, grains, insects, and fruits to stay healthy. Zoos help them have babies and teach people about these birds. Fun activities, like giving them new nest materials and live insects, keep them busy and happy.

 

Behaviour

Black-headed weavers are highly social birds, often seen in flocks. They are known for their noisy and active behaviour, especially during the breeding season. Males display and sing loudly to attract females and defend their nesting territories. These birds are also known for their cooperative nesting, where multiple nests are often built in close proximity.

Black-headed weavers like to be in groups and are very social. They are noisy and active, especially when they are trying to find a mate. Male weavers sing loudly and show off to attract females and protect their nests. They often build nests close to each other, making a big nesting community.

Fun facts

  • Master Weavers: Black-headed weavers are renowned for their intricate nests, which are architectural marvels.
  • Colourful Males: Male weavers display bright yellow plumage with a distinctive black head, making them easy to identify.
  • Colony Life: They often nest in large colonies, with hundreds of nests in a single tree.
  • Quick Learners: Young weavers quickly learn to build nests by observing older, experienced males.
  • Seasonal Changes: Their plumage changes colour during the breeding season, becoming more vibrant to attract mates.
  • Amazing Nest Builders: Black-headed weavers are famous for their fancy nests, which are like tiny bird houses.
  • Bright Colours: Male weavers are bright yellow with black heads, so they’re easy to spot.
  • Group Nests: They often build nests in big groups, with hundreds of nests in one tree.
  • Fast Learners: Young weavers learn how to build nests by watching the older birds.
  • Colour Changes: Their feathers change colour during breeding season to help attract mates.

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