#ploceidae

Red-cowled Widowbird (Euplectes laticauda), male, family Ploceidae, order Passeriformes, Kenya

A lesser masked weaver (Ploceus intermedius) in Phalaborwa, Limpopo Province

Which African animal is known for manifesting in swarms of well several million, blotting out the sky when they pass and consuming every bit of green in their path? If you guessed the red-billed quela, you're correct! Also known as Africa's feathered locust, they are considered the second most abundant bird in the world behind domestic chickens.

(Image: several members of a flock of red-billed quela (Quelea quelea) by Bernard Dupon)

Aldabra Fody Foudia aldabrana

It is endemic to Aldabra, an atoll northwest of Madagascar, part of Seychelles. Adult males spend most of the year defending and maintaining nesting territories. They are strongly territorial, with a characteristic threat display consisting of drooping the wings and tail while puffing out the feathers of the head, breast, and rump.

the vitelline masked weaver, who lives in the open and largely grass-dominated environments of central Africa - immediately subSaharan, stretching from the western coast to the eastern coast. "vitelline" means "yolk", and i take it this refers to the breeding male's very distinct yellow plumage. all adult birds maintain the distinct orangey-red eyes year-round, but they become more pronounced in the breeding male. immature birds have black eyes, which is a pattern many birds follow as they mature.

of course, the most spectacular aspect of these critters is their instinctual architectural skill. nests are woven by two partners from fresh grasses, and when the fibers dry into hay, the resulting house is very durable indeed. alongside contributing extensively to nest construction, both partners also remain to rear their chicks - good parents all round, it seems.

from what i can discern, they're fairly generalistic diet-wise, visiting bird feeders for seeds and crumbs as well as hunting insects and occasionally drinking nectar from flowers that will accomodate their thick bills. it also seems they're very fond of bathing, splashing about in shallow water with great enthusiasm. can't blame them - I imagine it gets hot over there.

9 June 2026