Southern Masked Weaver
Ploceus velatus
The Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus) is a common weaver found in 16 countries, weighing about 31 g. The southern masked weaver, or African masked weaver, is a resident breeding bird species common throughout southern Africa.
About the Southern Masked Weaver
The southern masked weaver, or African masked weaver, is a resident breeding bird species common throughout southern Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The southern masked weaver is 11–14.5 cm (4.3–5.7 in) long with a short, strong, conical bill and pinkish brown legs. The adult male in breeding plumage has a black face, throat and beak, red eye, bright yellow head and underparts, and a plain yellowish-green back, The female has a pinkish-brown bill, brown or red-brown eye and is dull greenish-yellow, streaked darker on the upper back. The throat is yellowish, fading to off-white on the belly. The non-breeding male resembles the female but retains the red eye. The juvenile of this species is like the female.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Arab Emirates, Mauritius.
When to see it
The Southern Masked Weaver can be seen all year round, with peak activity in January. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Southern Masked Weaver?
- The southern masked weaver is 11–14.5 cm (4.3–5.7 in) long with a short, strong, conical bill and pinkish brown legs. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Southern Masked Weaver?
- The Southern Masked Weaver is a small sized bird weighing about 31 g.
- Where can you see a Southern Masked Weaver?
- The Southern Masked Weaver occurs in 16 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia.
- What birds look similar to a Southern Masked Weaver?
- The Southern Masked Weaver is most easily confused with the Cape Weaver, the Cape Weaver and the Village Weaver.
- Is the Southern Masked Weaver endangered?
- The Southern Masked Weaver is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Southern Masked Weaver for real
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