- Ploceus aurantius
Identification
Mottled brownish tan when out of season. In season the collar and back of the neck, tail and wings change to a brilliant orange. The breast and abdomen and top of he head and face change to shiny black. The bill also becomes dense black. Hens do not change colour.
Distribution
Sub-Saharan Africa, Senegal, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Kenya.
Taxonomy
They are closely related also to the African whydahs, and some ornithologists place non-parasitic species of whydah in the weaver family.
Habitat
Behaviour
It makes a densely woven and intricately knotted deep cup-like nest with a reinforced circular opening on one side.
The diet is highly insectivorous.
