Lesser Masked Weaver

Afrikaans name: Kleingeelvink - Ploceus intermedius

Male Lesser Masked Weaver at its nest

Photo © Steven Herbert

The Lesser Masked-Weaver is not as widely distributed in South Africa as the Village and Southern Masked-Weaver. It is found in a band up the eastern parts of the country from KwaZulu-Natal, through Kruger National Park to the northern sections of Limpopo and North West.

Although the Lesser Masked-Weaver prefers drier areas they are normally found near water. They can be found in drier areas with savanna, woodland or bushveld.

The Lesser Masked-Weaver feeds on pollen, insects and seeds.

These weavers are not as gregarious as some of their relatives. Outside of breeding season they stay in small flocks numering less than 10. During the breeding season they nest in small colonies with a maximum of around 10 nests. They lay 2 to 3 eggs and are cared for by both parents.

References and further reading

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 338

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 110

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 420

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 723

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 384

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 725

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 552

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 564

LBJs - Author: Newman, Johnson, Solomon, Masterson - Published: 1998 - Page: 111

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 412

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 412

Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Published: 1991 - Page: 208

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 304

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 79

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 256

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 270

Birds of Southern Africa - Kruger National Park - Author: Kenneth Newman - Published: 1985 - Page: 212

Animals of the Kruger National Park - Author: G. de Graaff - Published: 1987 - Page: 111

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 25

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 25

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 302

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