The southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus), or African masked weaver, is a resident breeding bird species common throughout southern Africa. This weaver is very widespread and found in a wide range of habitats, including shrubland, savanna, grassland, open woodland, inland wetlands and semi-desert areas.

This red-eyed masked-weaver has a lightly streaked green back and pink-brown legs. The breeding male has a black face mask with a narrow black band on the forehead above the bill. The female and juvenile are dull.

The Southern Masked Weaver is a small, vibrant bird with striking sexual dimorphism. Males in breeding plumage display bright yellow bodies with olive-green backs and a distinctive black face mask and bib, set off by their red eyes. Females and non-breeding males are much duller, with streaked olive-brown upperparts and pale yellowish underparts.

The southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus), or African masked weaver, is a resident breeding bird species common throughout southern Africa. This weaver is very widespread and found in a wide range of habitats, including shrubland, savanna, grassland, open woodland, inland wetlands and semi-desert areas.

Jul 12, 2023 · The Southern Masked-Weavers or African Masked-weavers (Ploceus velatus) is common throughout southern Africa, where they occur in a wide range of habitats, including shrubland, savanna, grassland, open woodland, inland wetlands and semi-desert areas. They are also found in suburban gardens and parks.

The lesser masked weaver (Ploceus intermedius) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It builds its nests in large colonies, often alongside the village weaver and sometimes the red-billed buffalo weaver. This species is commonly parasitised by the Diederik cuckoo. It is found in eastern, south-eastern and southern Africa.

Mar 4, 2020 · Southern Masked-Weaver (Ploceus velatus), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (J. del Hoyo, A. Elliott, J. Sargatal, D. A. Christie, and E. de Juana, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.afmwea.01.

The Southern Masked Weaver male in breeding plumage (photo above) is bright yellow with a black mask and red eye. In non-breeding plumage it resembles the dull-coloured female, but retains a reddish eye.

Mar 4, 2022 · The Southern Masked Weaver is a medium-sized, brightly coloured bird. Males and females look similar outside of the breeding season but are easily distinguishable in breeding plumage. Southern Masked Weaver male.

It is a small weaverbird, with red eyes, subtly-barred yellowish-green back, and pinkish-brown legs. The males have a conspicuous black mask, while females and immature birds are dull. Prefers semi-arid locations and open savannas. These birds are resident and colonial nesters in trees or branches.