Red billed buffalo weaver

Introduction: Savannahs dominated by Acacia trees or with isolated populations of Baobab trees are the ideal habitat for the red-billed buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis niger). Camelthorn and knob thorn Acacia also attracts this species as does miombo woodland. They are common in a habitat disturbed by humans and herds of livestock or game as well.

Distribution: Mainly central and northern ranges of the country including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, from Windhoek north to Tsumeb, Tsumkwe and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Eats insects, seeds and fruit. Diet includes grasshoppers and caterpillars, bugs, weevils, spiders and scorpions.

Description: A large weaver with a long tail and heavy bill. Males have a blackish plumage, females brownish.
Breeding: Nests resemble a large untidy home made of largish thorny sticks and twigs, interlocking into around 6 chambers, complete with tunnel entrances. Materials are continually added as the structure spreads to other branches. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs from January to April, incubated for around 14 days.

Size: 22cm.

Weight: 80g.