The Black-necked Weaver (Ploceus nigricollis) occurs naturally in in much of tropical Africa from Senegal and northern Angola east to southern Sudan and Tanzania, where it remains year-round. It inhabits forests, especially in wet habitats.
Nesting / Breeding
It builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and creepers with a 15cm downward facing entrance tunnel hanging from the globular egg chamber.
The nest is suspended from a branch in a tree and 2-3 eggs are laid. It nests in pairs but forms small flocks when not breeding.
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Description
The Black-necked Weaver is a stocky 16cm bird with a strong conical bill.
The adult male of the northern race has olive upperparts and wings, and yellow underparts and head. It has a black eyemask and bib, and a pale yellow iris. The non-breeding male has a yellow head with an olive crown, grey upperparts and whitish. The wings remain yellow and black.
The adult female also has olive upperparts and wings, and yellow underparts and head. It has a black eyemask but no bib.
The southern race from Nigeria eastwards has almost black upperparts and tail.
Diet / Feeding
The Black-necked Weaver feeds on insects and vegetable matter.
Calls / Vocalization
Its calls are described as a wheezing dew-dew-twee.
