Holub's Golden Weaver

The Holub's golden weaver, also known as the African golden weaver, is a vibrant bird with a striking appearance. It belongs to the family Ploceidae and bears the scientific name Ploceus xanthops. This species was first described by Hartlaub in 1862 and is named in honor of the Czech naturalist Emil Holub.

Identification Tips

When observing the Holub's golden weaver, look for its golden-yellow plumage, which is particularly bright in males during the breeding season. The bird's eyes are a piercing contrast against its plumage, and its overall size and shape are typical of weavers.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including moist savannas, woodlands, and areas near water bodies, where it can find suitable sites for foraging and nesting.

Distribution

The Holub's golden weaver has a wide range across the African continent, from Gabon to Uganda and Kenya, and extending southward to northern Namibia, northern Botswana, and eastern South Africa.

Behaviour

Observations of the Holub's golden weaver reveal a bird that is both social and industrious. It is known for its elaborate nest-building techniques, often weaving intricate nests that hang from the tips of branches over water.

Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Holub's golden weaver is classified as Least Concern. This suggests that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels that would warrant a higher level of concern.