The black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus), also known as yellow-backed weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
Taxonomy and systematics
P. victoriae Ash, 1986 is now thought to be a hybrid between P. melanocephalus and P. castanops.
Description
Breeding males have a black head and yellow nuchal collar, which is absent in the Juba and golden-backed weavers. It also differs from the latter species and village weaver by its plain, greenish mantle plumage.[2] The pale yellow underpart plumage is suffused with a variable amount of chestnut.
The female and non-breeding male lack the black head, and resemble a female masked weaver, except that they have dark eyes and a darker bill. Their buffy breast plumage also distinguishes them from non-breeding golden-backed weavers.[2]
Distribution and habitat
It occurs in West, Central, and East Africa, but it has also been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula.[3] It is found in savanna and similar habitats, typically near water. It often lives on an Acacia tree 3 meter away from land to prevent predation.[1][failed verification]
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