Rüppell's Weaver
Ploceus galbula
A fairly small and compact weaver of dry country. Breeding males are olive-green above and bright yellow below, with a rufous patch on the face and a red eye. Females, non-breeding males, and juveniles are much duller, brownish-olive overall with a dark eye and a pinkish bill. Found in dry thorn savanna and cultivated areas, often in small flocks. Females and non-breeding males can be separated from most similar weavers by their pale bill and overall size and shape; very similar to Vitelline Masked-Weaver, but separated by the dark eye. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chik” notes and a sizzling “radio static” song.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ploceus galbula
- Authority
- Rüppell, 1840
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Ploceus
Range and habitat
In the mountains of Degua Tembien in north Ethiopia, it can be observed in bushy and shrubby areas. It is found from Sudan to Somalia and extreme northern Kenya. It is also found in the south-western Arabian Peninsula.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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