Southern brown throated weaver

Introduction: The breeding behaviour of the southern brown-throated weaver (Ploceus xanthopterus) leads them to papyrus and reedbeds. At other times they inhabit woodland, grassland and forest, in pairs or in small flocks of up to 20 birds.

Distribution: Eastern Kavango River region, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip), Linyanti Marshes, Chobe and Zambezi River systems. Also common in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.
Diet: Forages in vegetation and along tree trunks and branches for seeds, grasses and berries. Also takes insects such as caterpillars and grasshoppers, moths and beetles.

Description: Golden yellow head, upper breast, cheeks, lores, chin and throat chestnut-brown. Xanthopterus is a Greek meaning for 'golden wing'.
Breeding: Males are known to construct up to 12 nests in a single breeding season made from grass or reeds and lined with reed flowers and grass seed heads by the females. Up to 3 eggs are laid in October and incubated for up to 17 days.

Size: 15cm.

Weight: 25g.