Order Passeriformes Higher classification Ploceus | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Ploceus baglafecht Rank Species | |
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Similar Bird, Spectacled weaver, Weavers, Holub's golden weaver, Black‑billed weaver | ||
Birds in bandjoun baglafecht weaver and red collared widowbird
The baglafecht weaver (Ploceus baglafecht), also known as Reichenow's weaver is a species of weaver bird from the family Ploceidae which is found in eastern and central Africa. The origin of the word baglafecht is something of a mystery and was coined by Buffon, probably from a local name in an Abyssinian language.
Contents
- Birds in bandjoun baglafecht weaver and red collared widowbird
- Description
- Habits and habitat
- Distribution
- Subspecies
- References
Description
The baglafecht weaver has a length of 15 cm (5.9 in). The adult male baglafecht weaver's has a distinctive black mask which extends from the bill through the eye and onto the ear coverts contrasting with the bright yellow forehead, forecrown and throat. The upperparts are yellowish green with dark centres to the feathers creating a faint streaking. The underparts are bright yellow on the breast fading to white towards the vent. The tail is yellow washed dark brown. The bill is black and the eye is pale yellow. The female baglafecht weaver lacks a mask but has dusky lores with yellowish-green cap, concolourous with the upperparts. In the non breeding plumage the mask is largely lost but there remains a dusky area around the eye, greyish brown on the upperparts, including the crown, with white washed buff underparts. Juveniles and immature birds do not have a mask on the dark-yellowish green head.
Habits and habitat
The baglafecht weaver normally breeds singly rather than in colonies. The nests are loosely woven and usually placed in the foliage of trees or bushes. It is often aggressive to other birds and not shy of people. It is found in forest edge, woodlands, gardens and towns.
Distribution
It is found in Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Subspecies
The following subspecies are currently recognised: