Southern Masked Weaver

Overview

Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus) is a species of Weavers, Widowbirds (Ploceidae) in the order Perching Birds (Passerines). A weaver whose males build kidney-shaped nests of woven grass strips; males have a black face mask and bright yellow crown; colonial nesters in trees over water; a common African garden bird.

Scientific Classification

Genus: Ploceus; binomial: Ploceus velatus; authority: Vieillot, 1819. Typical size: 13-14cm. Average lifespan: 3-7 years.

Distribution

Breeding range: Africa.

Conservation Status

This taxon is listed as Extant (living) in the IOC World Bird List.

Remarks

Treat as monotypic; includes nigrifrons and peixotoi (Craig 2010).