White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
Plocepasser mahali
The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a uncommon weaver found in 15 countries, weighing about 41 g. The white-browed sparrow-weaver is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa.
About the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
The white-browed sparrow-weaver is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It ranges from 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) in length and is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe and white rump visible in flight. While the male white-browed sparrow-weaver sports a black bill, the female's bill is horn-colored (light gray); that of the juvenile is pinkish-brown. In Zimbabwe, the white-browed sparrow-weaver shows faint brown spotting across its white breast. The yellow-throated petronia has a pinkish brown (not black) bill, a buff (not white) eyebrow stripe, black (not pink) feet, and yellow shading at the bottom of a white throat. Voice: The white-browed sparrow-weaver may emit either a brief chik-chick or a loud, fluid, cheoop-preeoo-chop whistle.
What the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver sounds like
Where it lives
When to see it
The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a White-browed Sparrow-Weaver?
- It ranges from 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) in length and is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe and white rump visible in flight. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-browed Sparrow-Weaver?
- The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is a small sized bird weighing about 41 g.
- Where can you see a White-browed Sparrow-Weaver?
- The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver occurs in 15 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
- What does a White-browed Sparrow-Weaver sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a White-browed Sparrow-Weaver?
- The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is most easily confused with the Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, the Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver and the Donaldson Smith's Sparrow-Weaver.
- Is the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver endangered?
- The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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