White-browed Sparrow-Weaver

About

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is a medium-sized passerine bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is a highly social species, typically found in arid and semi-arid savannas and woodlands, often in association with acacia trees. Known for its distinctive white supercilium and communal nesting habits, it is a common and conspicuous bird within its range.

Size & lifespan

Length

17-19 cm

Wingspan

28-32 cm

Weight

40-60 g

Lifespan

Approximately 5-7 years in the wild

Diet

Omnivore (primarily insects and seeds)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a distinctive white supercilium (eyebrow) that extends from the bill to behind the eye, contrasting with a dark brown crown and ear coverts. The back and wings are brown, often with paler feather edges giving a slightly scaled appearance. The rump is white, and the tail is dark brown with white outer tail feathers, particularly noticeable in flight. Underparts are off-white to pale grey, sometimes with a buff wash on the flanks. The throat is typically white, and there is often a dark malar stripe.

Beak shape

Conical, stout, and relatively short, adapted for cracking seeds and manipulating insects. Color is typically blackish or dark horn-colored.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Dark grey to blackish.

Distinguishing features

The prominent white supercilium, white rump, and white outer tail feathers are key identification features. Its social behavior and large, messy communal nests are also highly characteristic.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but have a duller plumage overall. The white supercilium may be less distinct or tinged buff, and the underparts may be more buffish. The bill can be paler, sometimes yellowish at the base.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage may appear slightly worn or faded outside of the breeding season due to feather abrasion.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, appearing very similar. There might be slight size differences, with males being marginally larger, but this is not reliably discernible in the field.

How to identify

1. 1

   White Supercilium

   Look for the prominent, bright white stripe above the eye, contrasting with the dark crown. This is the most distinctive field mark.

2. 2

   White Rump and Outer Tail Feathers

   Observe the bird in flight or when it fans its tail; the white rump and white outer tail feathers are very conspicuous and diagnostic.

3. 3

   Communal Nests

   Scan acacia or thorny trees for large, messy, globular grass nests, often with multiple entrance holes. The presence of such nests strongly indicates the species.

4. 4

   Social Behavior

   They are almost always seen in small, active groups, foraging together and vocalizing frequently. Solitary individuals are rare.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their characteristic chattering and whistling calls and songs, often given in chorus by the group.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Savanna, woodland, shrubland, semi-desert.

Geographic range

Sub-Saharan Africa, extending from eastern Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania) south through southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa).

Elevation range

Typically found from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters, occasionally higher in some regions.

Preferred environments

Arid and semi-arid open woodlands, acacia savannas, Mopane woodlands, and thornbush country. They prefer areas with scattered trees for nesting and foraging, often near human habitation or cultivated lands.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal, most active during the cooler parts of the morning and late afternoon.

Feeding habits

Forages primarily on the ground, hopping and gleaning insects and seeds. They also forage in trees and shrubs for insects, nectar, and fruits. Diet includes beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and a variety of seeds, especially grass seeds. They may also take small fruits and nectar from flowering plants.

Social behavior

Highly social, living in family groups or small colonies of 2-10 individuals, sometimes up to 20. These groups maintain communal nests and forage together. They are cooperative breeders, with non-breeding helpers assisting in raising young.

Flight pattern

Flight is typically direct and undulating, with rapid wing beats. They often fly in small groups between foraging areas or to and from their communal nests.

Migration pattern

Resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements. Local movements may occur in response to food availability or water sources.

Territoriality

Groups defend a communal nesting and foraging territory, often vocally. Intruders are typically chased away by multiple group members.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Varies geographically, typically coinciding with the rainy season when insect and seed availability is high. Generally from September to April in southern Africa, and March to July in eastern Africa.

Nesting habits

Builds large, untidy, globular communal nests made of grass and twigs, often in acacia trees or other thorny trees. Multiple entrance holes lead to separate breeding chambers for different pairs within the group. Nests can be quite large, up to 1 meter in diameter, and are used year-round for roosting and breeding.

Clutch size

2-4 eggs, typically 3.

Egg description

Eggs are typically pale blue, greenish-blue, or white, often speckled or blotched with reddish-brown, grey, or purple markings, particularly at the broader end. They measure approximately 22 x 15 mm.

Incubation period

Approximately 14-17 days.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 18-23 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the nestlings. Non-breeding helpers within the group also assist in feeding the young, guarding the nest, and maintaining the communal structure.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for Nests. Their large communal nests are often conspicuous and can be spotted from a distance, indicating the presence of a group.
2. Listen for Calls. Their chattering vocalizations are quite distinctive and often given by the whole group, making them easy to locate by sound.
3. Observe Group Behavior. They are active and social, often seen foraging on the ground or in trees in small, cohesive groups. Watch for their characteristic movements and interactions.
4. Check Waterholes. Like many savanna birds, they will visit waterholes to drink, especially during dry periods.

Similar species

Quick facts

Social Structure:

Cooperative breeder, lives in family groups/colonies

Nest Type:

Large, globular communal grass nest

Key ID Mark:

White supercilium, white rump, white outer tail feathers

Diet Preference:

Insects and seeds

Habitat Preference:

Arid/semi-arid acacia woodlands and savannas

Fun facts

• White-browed Sparrow-Weavers are known for their elaborate communal nests, which can be quite large and house multiple breeding pairs and their helpers.
• These birds are cooperative breeders, meaning that non-breeding individuals (often offspring from previous broods) assist the breeding pair in raising their young, contributing to nest defense and feeding.
• Their nests are often built in thorny trees, such as acacias, which provide protection from predators.
• The species name 'mahali' is derived from a local African name for the bird.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Ploceidae

Genus

Plocepasser

Species

Plocepasser mahali

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