Black-headed Weaver

Bold black-and-white wing patches are distinctive in flight. Nonbreeding birds are overall white below with warm brown and orange tones on head and back. During the breeding season they are white with black or gray on the back. Breeds on tundra at northern latitudes; forms flocks in the winter and moves south, often joining up with other species of field birds. Listen for distinctive tittering rattle and “tew” calls as they fly overhead. Foraging flocks also gives harsher buzzy calls.

Unusual small, dark waxbill. Males are black with an orange hood, and females dark gray above and pale below with heavy barring. Both sexes show a mostly orange wing and rump, which are conspicuous in flight. Uncommon in moist grassland. Inconspicuous, and usually not seen until flushed, when they give a repeated “teeu” call. Similar in shape and behavior to Quailfinch, but easily separated by the orange wing.

Breeding male is rich yellow with darker orange patches on the breast and the rear part of the crown. The female is dark on the back and buffy yellowish below with a pale base to the bill. Both sexes show a dark eye. Breeds in and around reedbeds, but ranges into surrounding savanna and woodland. Very similar to Golden Palm Weaver, but there is no overlap in range. Also similar to Holub’s and African Golden-Weavers, but usually separated by the black eyes. Females can be confusing, but almost always associate with the more distinctive males. The calls include a dry rattling that is combined with typical weaver “radio static” in the song.