Least Concern Birds

Southern Masked Weaver

Ploceus velatus

Southern Masked Weaver, an omnivorous bird in African savannas and wetlands.

Scientific name	Ploceus velatus
Swahili name	Mchongoma wa Kusini
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Ploceidae
Size	Male: approximately 30-40 grams; Female: approximately 25-35 grams

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How to identify

Male has a distinct black mask on head and face; back and wings range from yellow to olive green; female is duller in color and lacks a distinct mask; small body size with a short, stout bill; commonly exhibits nest-weaving behavior with uniquely shaped hanging basket-like nests.

Habitat

Occurs in open woodland savanna, shrublands, edges of wetlands, and near agricultural fields.

Diet

Omnivorous, primarily feeding on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day.

Where it lives

Primarily distributed in southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique; less common in Kenya and the Masai Mara region.

How to spot it

Best observed during nest-building behavior; active frequently at dawn and dusk; pay attention to the male’s bright black mask and nest location; search near wetlands or shrub edges.

Photography tips

Use soft morning light for photography to capture nest details and bird interactions; telephoto lenses help shoot from a distance without disturbing birds; natural vegetation backgrounds are preferred.

Threats

Habitat loss and agricultural expansion; localized bird trapping.

Similar species

Northern Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius), distinguished by more diffuse mask edges and slightly paler plumage; other weaver species differ in coloration and mask shape.

📖 how to spot the southern masked weaver on safari