Chestnut Weaver
Ploceus rubiginosus
Large, heavy-billed weaver in which breeding males have an unusual color scheme: chestnut with a black head. Non-breeding males and females are plain grayish-brown with buff on the breast. Highly nomadic species of dry savanna, which can appear in large numbers after rains and begin nesting in large colonies. Males are oddly similar to Chestnut Sparrow, and they often nest alongside that species, but are easily separated by their larger size and black head. Non-breeding male and female are remarkably colorless, lacking the greenish and yellowish tones shown by similar weavers.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Ploceus rubiginosus
- Authority
- Rüppell, 1840
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Ploceus
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher
Melaenornis fischeri
Large, long-tailed flycatcher. The wing and tail are dark gray and the head and underparts paler gray. In the northern portion of the range, shows a huge pale eye-ring; in the south and west, shows a much narrower, grayish eye-ring. Found in montane habitats including forest edge, woodland, and gardens. Often in pairs. Vocalizations include high-pitched whistles and scratchy notes. Subspecies without a bold eye-ring are somewhat like African Dusky Flycatcher, but are larger and grayer. Other gray flycatchers are unlikely to be found in montane habitats.
Huambo Cisticola
Cisticola bailunduensis
Large, plain, long-tailed cisticola with a rufous cap, gray-brown back, and pale whitish underparts. Found in open habitats with grass and small trees, often in rugged and mountainous areas. The song is a musical series of high-pitched trills and whistles. As with all cisticolas, habitat and voice are important cues in identification.
Olive-shouldered Parrot
Aprosmictus jonquillaceus
A large, long-tailed green parrot with an orange bill and a wing patch, red in males and yellow in females, that is visible both perched and in flight. Juvenile is like female, but lacks wing patch. Singles or small flocks can be found in a variety of wooded areas, like forests and plantations, in lowlands and mountains. Limited to a few islands in the Lesser Sundas. Distinguished from Olive-headed and Marigold Lorikeets by its larger size, its broad square tail, and its lack of a dark hood. Gives raucous, shrill screeches, high-pitched tinkling, and lower-pitched “kraak-kraaak” calls.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.