nonbreeding male; red iris; hint of black on face (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Southern Masked Weaver
Ploceus velatus

Native Range: Africa

Notes: a common weaver in southern Africa; builts beautiful nests in small to large colonies in habitats ranging from suburbia trees to waterside reeds and bushes; males in non-breeding plumage (pictured below) have much less dark black on their faces than they do when in breeding condition.

dorsal view; olive-yellow with yellow streaks (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
ventral view; hint of orange breast; paler below (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

dorsal view of female; note the bill shape (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
ventral view of female; pale cream-yellow below (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

nest with entrance at bottom (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
group of nests in colony (South Africa; 2007-06-30)