Juba Weaver

Ploceus dichrocephalus

A fairly small, compact weaver with a large bill. Breeding males are colorful, with a black head, a red eye, a rufous chest, and a yellow belly and back. Females and non-breeding males are dull olive-gray with pale buffy underparts and a pale patch at the base of the otherwise black bill. Found very locally in riverside thickets in dry country, often in small flocks. Similar to Black-headed and Golden-backed Weavers, but separated by range. Females and non-breeding males can be cautiously identified by the pale patch on the bill and by the overall size and shape. Vocalizations are typical of weavers: “chik” notes and a scratchy “radio static” song. 

Identification

The Juba weaver (Ploceus dichrocephalus), also known as Salvadori's weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It is found in the Horn of Africa.

Taxonomy

Genus: Ploceus; Family: Ploceidae; Order: Passeriformes.

Scientific name
Ploceus dichrocephalus
Authority
(Salvadori, 1896)
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

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