AFRIKAANS NAME: Brilwewer
LENGTH: 15.5 cm
WEIGHT: 29 g
Introduction:
Common resident. An insectivorous weaver with pale eyes and a black streak through eye to ear coverts. Male has a black bib. Sharp pointed dark bill and a chestnut brown wash over the head. Female resembles the male but does not have the black bib. Juvenile is similar to the female but without black line through eye. Has pale brown bill and brown eyes.
Habitat:
Forest margins, woodland, riparian forest and suburbia and moister areas in thornveld.
Diet:
Largely insectivorous, also feeds on spiders, fruit, seeds and nectar.
Behaviour:
Move in pairs or family groups. Roost in tight huddle on open ground or tall grass and returns to same roost every night, flying part of the way. When threatened they slink off head lowered or crouches down and hides.
Nesting:
A shy weaver that is more often heard than seen. Not a social weaver.
Call:
Similar species:
Cape weaver.
Distribution:
Found throughout the Eastern Cape.