Village weaver

Description:

A large weaver, member of family Ploceidae, growing over 15cm in length. The breeding males are golden yellow with extensive black face mask, heavy black beak and red eyes, three characteristics helping the identification since all subspecies or forms posses the same. It further shows a well-distinguished yellow and dark olive green pattern on its back and wing covers. Female, not observed here, like all females of this family, is more discreet, but can be recognized by red eyes and heavy bill, and yellow superciliary stripes.

Habitat:

Widely spread across sub-saharan Africa, in all kind of habitats, including urban settings. Seen here close to a settlement and not far away from the Congo river (lower Congo), in Maniema province of DRC, not far away from Kindu town.

Notes:

The Village weaver is gregarious and nest in large colonies; when nesting the colony is capable of covering the entire tree or group of group of trees with densely packed nests, like in that fourth photo...