Lesser marked weaver

Introduction: Lesser masked-weavers (Ploceus intermedius) can be found in Acacia and mopane savannah, open woodland, riverine swamps and trees, reedbeds and other areas close to water. Small flocks are common, although they become solitary birds when breeding.

Distribution: Patchy populations in northern Namibia including Epupa Falls, Etosha National Park, Kaokoland, Damaraland and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Forages in umbrella tree-thorn canopies for insects, probed under leaves. Also searches flowers for insects and nectar. Diet includes termites and grasshoppers, mulberries and small seeds.

Description: Distinctive black throat and forehead to mid-crown and facial area. Bright yellow upper breast, dark olive-grey tail and mostly yellowish-green upperparts.
Breeding: Males breed in colonies with several females in a kidney-shaped nest built of strips of grass, palm leaves and other fine plant materials. From 2 to 4 eggs are laid from October to February and incubated for around 13 days by the female.

Size: 15cm.

Weight: 21g.