14-8-2017 AMSTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - BLACK HEADED WEAVER (FEMALE)

The black-headed weaver (Ploceus melanocephalus ), also known as yellow-backed weaver, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.

Medium-sized weaver. Breeding males are striking with their black face and neck and dark brown irises contrasting with their yellow body. Females and non-breeding males are similar, with a yellow breast and white belly. Usually found in marshy areas with tall grass. Nest is built in a basket shape, weaving together grass and sticks hanging from trees.

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. 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.

It occurs in West, Central, and East Africa, but it has also been introduced to the Iberian Peninsula. 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.

The Black-headed Weaver, known scientifically as Ploceus melanocephalus and also referred to as the Yellow-backed Weaver, is a striking member of the Ploceidae family. The breeding male is particularly distinctive with its bold black head and contrasting yellow nuchal collar, a feature that sets it apart from its relatives, the Juba and Golden-backed Weavers.

During the breeding season, the male Black-headed Weaver can be identified by its black head and the bright yellow collar gracing the nape of its neck. The mantle is a plain, greenish hue, and the underparts are a pale yellow, often infused with varying degrees of chestnut. Females and non-breeding males lack the black head and are more easily confused with the female Masked Weaver, though they can be distinguished by their dark eyes, darker bill, and buffy breast plumage.

The Black-headed Weaver is typically found in savannas and similar environments, often in proximity to water sources. It has a particular affinity for Acacia trees, which it uses for nesting, usually situated about 3 meters from land to deter predators.

This species is native to West, Central, and East Africa. It has also expanded its range to the Iberian Peninsula, where it has been introduced.

The Black-headed Weaver is known for its elaborate nesting behavior, often constructing its nest in Acacia trees to provide a measure of safety from ground predators.

The vocalizations of the Black-headed Weaver are an integral part of its breeding display, with the male often singing to attract a mate.

The breeding male's plumage is a key aspect of its courtship display, with the black head and yellow collar playing a significant role in attracting females. It is also known for its elaborate nesting behavior, often constructing its nest in Acacia trees to provide a measure of safety from ground predators.