White-headed Buffalo Weaver
Dinemellia dinemelli
The White-headed Buffalo Weaver (Dinemellia dinemelli) is a rare weaver found in 7 countries, weighing about 64 g. The white-headed buffalo weaver or white-faced buffalo-weaver is a species of passerine bird in the family Ploceidae native to East Africa.
About the White-headed Buffalo Weaver
The white-headed buffalo weaver or white-faced buffalo-weaver is a species of passerine bird in the family Ploceidae native to East Africa. The buffalo part of its name derives from its habit of following the African buffalo, feeding on disturbed insects. Two subspecies are recognized.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-headed buffalo weaver is 170 to 190 mm (6.7–7.5 in) in length and 57 to 85 g (2.0–3.0 oz) in weight. In addition to its white head and underparts, the white-headed buffalo weaver has a vividly orange-red rump and undertail coverts. Its thighs are dark brown. Narrow white bands can be found on the wings especially when stretch his wings sideways. Both sexes are similar in plumage and hard to differentiate. The bill is conical and black. D. d. dinemelli has a brown tail, whereas D. d. boehmi has a black tail.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Nigeria.
When to see it
The White-headed Buffalo 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-headed Buffalo Weaver?
- The white-headed buffalo weaver is 170 to 190 mm (6.7–7.5 in) in length and 57 to 85 g (2.0–3.0 oz) in weight. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-headed Buffalo Weaver?
- The White-headed Buffalo Weaver is a medium sized bird weighing about 64 g.
- Where can you see a White-headed Buffalo Weaver?
- The White-headed Buffalo Weaver occurs in 7 countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and Somalia.
- What birds look similar to a White-headed Buffalo Weaver?
- The White-headed Buffalo Weaver is most easily confused with the Red-headed Weaver, the Streaked Weaver and the Red Fody.
- Is the White-headed Buffalo Weaver endangered?
- The White-headed Buffalo Weaver is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-headed Buffalo Weaver for real
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