Newsletter / Blog
2011-08-14 Aves Bird of the week - Cape Weaver - Ploceus capensis
Cape Weaver
The Cape Weaver
- Ploceus capensis - is Endemic to South Africa. This common
species occurs in grassland, agricultural and fynbos habitats, often near
rivers. A large weaver with a long, pointed black bill. Male less
brilliant yellow than other ‘golden’ weavers. The face and throat has a brown
to orange wash. Breeding male’s eye is pale. Females and non-breeding males are
olive to olive-brown above and pale yellow below; juvenile and females have brown
eyes.
The male call includes
a harsh alarm “chack” a long sequence of chattering, swizzling, bubbly notes
and a soft “chack” contact call.
The flight is
fast and direct. These birds bathe frequently and are always found in
flocks and form large roosts throughout the year.
Forages mostly on
the ground where it will turn over stones, cow patties and search tree bark for
insects. They feed on a wide variety of seeds, grain and insects. Nearly equal
parts animal and vegetable matter. Also known to eat flowers and drink nectar.
It breeds in noisy
colonies in trees and reed-beds. This weaver builds a large coarsely woven nest
made of grass and leaf strips with a downward facing entrance which is
suspended from a branch or reed. A Male may have up to 7 female in one
breeding season. Males build
the nest and females will inspect it and will not solicit copulation until she
has decided on a nest which she will then line with fine grass, down and
feathers. The nest is an oblong kidney shape. The breeding season is from June
to February, in summer rainfall areas, earlier from August to October in the Western Cape. Two
to Five eggs are laid which only the female will incubate for between 13 to 14
days. Normally the female does most feeding of young, predominantly insects,
however, some males may share almost equal feeding duties. On average
nestling period lasts 17 days.
Conservation Status – Least Concern.
These large
striking weavers can be seen on the following Aves Birding
Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -
Aves Eastern Cape Birding
Tour / Safari /Adventure.
Aves Highlands / Tembe Birding Tour / Safari /
Adventure.
Aves KZN Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves North East
Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves North West Birding Tour
/ Safari / Adventure.
Aves Western Cape Birding
Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves West Coast
Birding Tour / Safari /Adventure. |