Red billed buffalo weaver
Introduction: Savannahs dominated by Acacia trees or with isolated populations of Baobab trees are the ideal habitat for the red-billed buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis niger). Camelthorn and knob thorn Acacia also attracts this species as does miombo woodland. They are common in a habitat disturbed by humans and herds of livestock or game as well.
Distribution: Mainly central and northern ranges of the country including Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, from Windhoek north to Tsumeb, Tsumkwe and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Eats insects, seeds and fruit. Diet includes grasshoppers and caterpillars, bugs, weevils, spiders and scorpions.
Description: A large weaver with a long tail and heavy bill. Males have a blackish plumage, females brownish.
Breeding: Nests resemble a large untidy home made of largish thorny sticks and twigs, interlocking into around 6 chambers, complete with tunnel entrances. Materials are continually added as the structure spreads to other branches. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs from January to April, incubated for around 14 days.
Size: 22cm.
Weight: 80g.
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