Weaver news

First PHOWN record for Vitelline Masked Weaver

2012-11-11 (294)


The Vitelline Masked Weaver is found in the dry savanna belt from West Africa across to East Africa. The species is very similar to the Southern Masked Weaver, and previously was even considered to be a subspecies of the latter. Colonies are small or contain single nests. The nest has been described as resembling 'a new ball of string'.

Dieter Oschadleus submitted the first PHOWN record for this species from the entrance area of Tarangire NP while visiting Tanzania (see trip report. The nest was lined but empty, indicating that it had been used during the previous breeding season (January-June).

Photo (above): single nest of the Vitelline Masked Weaver, from phown 3822.