Yellow-mantled Weaver
Ploceus tricolor
A neatly patterned weaver that stays high above the ground in forests and old farmland, often near flooded areas or water, in small groups or with mixed-species flocks. Black head and vent contrast with the dark gray or reddish belly. Upperparts are black except for a bright gold triangular patch on the back. Engages in a wide variety of foraging behaviors, including gleaning, flycatching, and hitching up larger branches and trunks in a woodpecker-like fashion. Occurs with several other species of weaver, but note Yellow-mantled Weaver’s distinct upperparts and the contrast between its black throat and vent and its paler belly. Calls include mechanical whistles and rasps and dry chatters, sometimes combined in complex songs.
Identification
The yellow-mantled weaver (Ploceus tricolor) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is sparsely distributed across the African tropical rainforest.
Taxonomy
Genus: Ploceus; Family: Ploceidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Ploceus tricolor
- Authority
- (Hartlaub, 1854)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Ploceus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Pel's Fishing-Owl
Scotopelia peli
A giant, round-headed, ginger-rufous owl covered by dusky bars, spots, and chevrons. Quite shy; day-roosts are well-hidden in huge trees along permanent rivers and forested swamps with sluggish backwaters. The call is a deep, low, horn-like “Ooom”; also produces a series of grunts. Young birds sometimes emit an eerie screeching: “wheeeuuu”. Similar Rufous Fishing-Owl is smaller and brighter; it lacks bars and chevrons on the underparts. Vermiculated Fishing-Owl has a heavily-streaked upper breast and a pale-yellow (not black) beak.
Socotra Bunting
Emberiza socotrana
Brownish bunting with boldly striped black-and-white head, bright chestnut wings and buffy wash on the breast that fades towards the vent. Endemic to Socotra, where it prefers rocky areas in shrubland and grassland. Typically encountered hopping on the ground searching for food. Pairs breed between 600–1200m, but move to the coastal plain after breeding, where they form small flocks. Song is typically a series of three or four short strident notes, “tseet-tee-too” or “steet-tsoo-steet-tsoo.”
Chinese Thrush
Turdus mupinensis
Medium-sized, stout thrush, brown above, white below, with a black-spotted underparts and dark crescent behind the ear coverts. Large-eyed appearance enhanced by a prominent white eyering and round head. Very similar in appearance to the Song Thrush of Europe. Inhabits mixed forests and generally avoids gardens and small parks. Song is multi-phrased and mellow, with many slurred notes.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.