The black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus), also known as yellow-backed weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
| Black-backed weaver | |
|---|---|
| |
| breeding male | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Ploceidae |
| Genus: | Ploceus |
| Species: | P. melanocephalus
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| Binomial name | |
| Ploceus melanocephalus | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Taxonomy and systematics
editP. victoriae Ash, 1986 is now thought to be a hybrid between P. melanocephalus and P. castanops.
Description
editBreeding males have a black head and yellow nuchal collar, which is absent in the Juba and golden-backed weavers. It also differs from the latter species and village weaver by its plain, greenish mantle plumage.[2] The pale yellow underpart plumage is suffused with a variable amount of chestnut.
The female and non-breeding male lack the black head, and resemble a female masked weaver, except that they have dark eyes and a darker bill. Their buffy breast plumage also distinguishes them from non-breeding golden-backed weavers.[2]
Distribution and habitat
editIt occurs in West, Central, and East Africa, but it has also been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula.[3] It is found in savanna and similar habitats, typically near water. It often lives on an Acacia tree 3 meter away from land to prevent predation.[1][failed verification]
Gallery
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Building nest at Kibale forest National Park -
Black-headed weaver gathering nest material -
Male displaying in papyrus marsh -
Male bird in Queen Elizabeth N.P., Uganda -
Clutch of eggs from Senegal (MHNT)
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Media related to Ploceus melanocephalus at Wikimedia Commons
References
edit- ^ a b BirdLife International (2018) [amended version of 2016 assessment]. "Ploceus melanocephalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T22718949A125533442. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22718949A125533442.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ a b Sinclair, Ian; Ryan, Peter (2010). Birds of Africa south of the Sahara (2nd ed.). Cape Town: Struik Nature. p. 676. ISBN 9781770076235.
- ^ John Cantelo. "Aliens amongst us ..." Cadiz Birding Blog.
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