How to identify the Cape Weaver

To correctly identify the Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

17-18 cm (6.7-7.1 inches)

Wingspan

25-28 cm (9.8-11 inches)

Weight

36-50 g (1.3-1.8 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult breeding males are brilliant golden-yellow with a chestnut wash on the face, throat, and breast, and a strong chestnut tinge on the nape and hindneck. The upperparts are olive-yellow, streaked finely with dusky lines. Non-breeding males are duller, resembling females but retaining some yellow. Females and non-breeding males are olive-brown above, with diffuse darker streaking, and pale yellowish-white underparts, often with a faint yellow wash on the flanks and undertail coverts. They show a yellow wash over the supercilium.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Conical, stout, and strong, adapted for cracking seeds, and pointed for weaving.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Reddish-brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Pale brownish-pink to flesh-colored.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Breeding male's strong golden-yellow plumage with chestnut face mask. Both sexes have a heavy, conical bill. Unique woven nests are a strong identification feature when nesting.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble females but are duller, often with more streaking on the breast and fainter yellow tones.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Males undergo a distinct molt into their bright breeding plumage from late winter to early spring, losing their chestnut and vibrant yellow tones in the non-breeding season to resemble females. Females show less significant seasonal plumage variation.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced sexual dimorphism. Breeding males are strikingly yellow with a chestnut face and throat; females are olive-brown and duller yellow on the underparts. Non-breeding males are intermediate.

Key field marks

• Plumage (Breeding Male). Look for the intense golden-yellow body plumage combined with a characteristic chestnut wash on the face, throat, and breast, and a relatively duller olive-yellow back.
• Nesting Behavior. Observe for their colonial nesting in reeds or trees near water, and the male's vigorous nest-building and display. The distinct woven, spherical nests with a side entrance are unmistakable.
• Size and Shape. Note their medium-large size for a weaver (17-18 cm) and robust, conical bill, which is thicker than many other weaver species.
• Calls and Song. Listen for the male's energetic, chattering, and sibilant song during the breeding season. Alarm calls are typically harsh 'chuck' notes.

Explore the Cape Weaver