Red headed weaver

Introduction: Red-headed weavers (Anaplectes melanotis) are found in forest and woodland savannah, particularly those with miombo and Acacia trees. Gardens and farms also attract this species.

Distribution: Sparsely populated in north and north-eastern Namibia, but found in Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Kavango River region, Kaudom Park and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Forages with other species in bushes and trees, at times hanging upside down to extract spiders from their nests. Also eats fruit including mistletoe and seeds.

Description: Melanotis means 'black ear'. The head and mantle are bright scarlet. There are black streaks on the mantle edges. Upper parts are mainly grey and the tail grey-brown. The lower breast to the vent is white, the upper breast bright scarlet.
Breeding: From 1 to 4 eggs are laid at 2 day intervals from September to December. The incubation period is around 12 days.

Size: 15cm.

Weight: 22g.