Tejedor Naranja

Identificación

The orange weaver can reach a length of about 12.5 centimetres (4.9 in), including the tail. These birds exhibit sexual dimorphism, and plumage also varies seasonally. During breeding or "nuptial" season, the male has a black beak, a small patch of black skin in front and behind the eyes (making the eyes look oval in shape), and brown wings. The rest of the plumage is a brilliant red to orange in color. Bill is pale and slender, while eyes are reddish-brown or pale grey.<p>Outside of breeding season, the males sport plumage that is considerably more drab, brown overall with some dark streaks and a cream-colored belly. The females have the same plumage year-round, which resembles that of the off-season males. The males of this species are often confused with males of the species Euplectes orix, commonly known as the southern red bishop. This bird has a black belly, however.

Taxonomía

There are two subspecies recognized:

Nombre científico

Ploceus aurantius

Autoridad

(Vieillot, 1805)

Orden

Passeriformes

Familia

Plóceos

Género

Ploceus

Distribución y hábitat

This species can be found in western and central Africa. The Orange Weaver live in mangroves, thickets and swamps in coastal lagoons and along major West African rivers.

Migración

Resident species

Comportamiento

In the wild orange weavers are polygamous, two or three females should generally be provided for each male and they make their homes in reed beds close to the surface of water. Like most other finches, these birds are colonial, with hundreds of complexly woven nests at some sites, which include palms, reeds and other trees.<p>They mainly feed on fruit and seeds, but also on insects (locusts, beetles, caterpillars). They are usually found in pairs or in small groups. Males build an ovoid nest with grass and palm strips. Females lay two eggs and incubate them.

Conservación

Tendencia poblacional

stable