Southern Masked-weaver (Ploceus velatus) – 6 inches long

Photographed at the Johannesburg Botanic Garden in South Africa.

Similar to Lesser Masked Weaver, but in this case the nest is the identifier, since the Lesser Masked Weaver nest has a longer entrance tube.

Masked weavers are named for their elaborately woven nests built of papyrus, grass, and twigs. They are round structures built hanging from a branch, with the entrance near the bottom. They look like funny fruit hanging from a tree! The male builds a nest for a female. If the female does not like the nest, he will tear it down and start over. If she does like the nest, she will line it with grass and feathers, and start raising a family. The male will then try to build a nest for another female.

This is a common bird in Southern Africa found in acacia (thorn bush) country or open woodland and along streams and rivers of the interior plateau. Found from South Africa north to Angola and Malawi.

Food is mostly seeds, but also insects and the soft parts of fruit.