Where does the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver live?
Plocepasser mahali
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Open the appThe White-browed Sparrow-Weaver lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
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).
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.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to approximately 1,500 meters, occasionally higher in some regions.
Where to look
Acacia Woodlands
These are prime habitats, especially where acacia trees are abundant for nesting and foraging.
Mopane Woodlands
Common in Mopane veld in southern Africa.
Thornbush Savannas
Any open, arid or semi-arid area with scattered thorny shrubs and trees.
Game Reserves and National Parks
Widely distributed in protected areas across its range, such as Etosha National Park (Namibia), Kruger National Park (South Africa), and Serengeti National Park (Tanzania).
Field tips
- Look for Nests. Their large communal nests are often conspicuous and can be spotted from a distance, indicating the presence of a group.
- Listen for Calls. Their chattering vocalizations are quite distinctive and often given by the whole group, making them easy to locate by sound.
- 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.
- Check Waterholes. Like many savanna birds, they will visit waterholes to drink, especially during dry periods.
Migration
Resident throughout its range, with no significant migratory movements. Local movements may occur in response to food availability or water sources.
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