Cape Weaver

The Cape Weaver is a common endemic of southern Africa, belonging to the large weaver family known for elaborate woven nests. It is a familiar sight around wetlands, gardens, and farmland within its restricted range.

Appearance

• Breeding males are bright golden yellow overall with an olive wash on the back
• A pale, yellowish-white eye is a distinctive feature
• Females and non-breeding males are duller olive-yellow
• Stout, conical, weaver-type bill

Key field marks

• Overall bright yellow plumage
• Pale eye, unusual among African weavers
• Stout conical bill and lack of a black facial mask

Similar species

The Southern Masked Weaver has a black face mask and red eye; the Village Weaver also shows a black face mask. The Cape Weaver lacks any black mask and is told apart by its plain yellow head and pale eye.

Range

Endemic to South Africa (mainly the Western and Eastern Cape, with range expanding) and parts of Lesotho.

Habitat

Found around wetlands, reedbeds, farmland, gardens, and the margins of fynbos vegetation.

Movement

Resident and non-migratory, though birds may move locally outside the breeding season.

Behavior

A colonial nester, often gathering in noisy groups at reedbeds or trees overhanging water.

Voice

Gives harsh chattering and swizzling notes typical of weavers, often in a chorus from the colony.

Feeding

Feeds on seeds, grain, insects, and nectar, sometimes visiting flowering aloes and other nectar sources.

Nesting and breeding

Males weave elaborate kidney-shaped nests from reeds and grass strips, suspended from branches often over water, and are polygynous, building several nests to attract multiple females.