19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

During his expedition to the interior of southern Africa in 1834–35, Andrew Smith collected specimens of the white-browed sparrow weaver at the Modder River, which he described in 1836, giving it the scientific name Plocepasser mahali.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14115-Plocepasser-mahali

29-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14115-Plocepasser-mahali

23-5-2019 MANA POOLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver is found in greatest numbers in north-central southern Africa. While this species most densely populates dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland at northern South Africa, its range includes Botswana, northern and central Namibia, and western Zimbabwe. It is seen very often in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia and southern Malawi. Populations may be found as far north as Ethiopia. Populations are sedentary.

This species nests in colonies along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.

28-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/14115-Plocepasser-mahali

28-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

During his expedition to the interior of southern Africa in 1834–35, Andrew Smith collected specimens of the white-browed sparrow weaver at the Modder River, which he described in 1836, giving it the scientific name Plocepasser mahali.

27-5-2019 SOMALISA CAMP, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

17-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

During his expedition to the interior of southern Africa in 1834–35, Andrew Smith collected specimens of the white-browed sparrow weaver at the Modder River, which he described in 1836, giving it the scientific name Plocepasser mahali.

Smith did not provide an explanation for the species epithet mahali, but is clear it is not a Latin name. Probably it is derived from the vernacular name for the bird in Setswana mogale or from the Sesotho word mohale, a brave or fierce person, which suggests the bird's name may refer to its angry scolding.

It ranges from 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) in length and is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe and white rump visible in flight. While the male white-browed sparrow-weaver sports a black bill, the female's bill is horn-colored (light gray); that of the juvenile is pinkish-brown. In Zimbabwe, the white-browed sparrow-weaver shows faint brown spotting across its white breast.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver may emit either a brief chik-chick or a loud, fluid, cheoop-preeoo-chop whistle.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver is found in greatest numbers in north-central southern Africa. While this species most densely populates dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland at northern South Africa, its range includes Botswana, northern and central Namibia, and western Zimbabwe. It is seen very often in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia and southern Malawi. Populations may be found as far north as Ethiopia. Populations are sedentary.

This species nests in colonies along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.

Breeding has been observed year round, but occurs mainly in warmer months. Year round, groups of the white-browed sparrow-weaver are active and nest-building. Groups of ten to sixty inverted-U-shaped nests of dry grass appear in the outside limbs of trees, although only several are used for breeding or roosting. While breeding nests have only one entrance, roosting nests have an entrance located at each of the two nest extremities. The construction of these nests shows cultural variations. Research has shown that, throughout a region, nests are located at the leeward side of a tree. This behavior preserves a greater number of intact nests for breeding and roosting. White-browed sparrow-weaver nests are sometimes used by other birds, such as the red-headed finch and ashy tit.

Different populations of this species vary in their ability to regulate their body temperature when there are changes in air temperature. White-browed sparrow-weavers from hotter and drier parts of the desert maintained higher body temperatures and let their bodies heat up comparatively more during the warmest part of the day compared to birds from a milder semi-desert site. This daily heterothermy means that desert birds do not need to use as much evaporative cooling and therefore can conserve body water. Within the population of semi-desert birds, there were also seasonal changes in daily heterothermy, with higher heterothermy during the dry season compared to the wet season. When air temperatures are very high, white-browed sparrow weavers also spend less time foraging in direct sunlight and more time in shaded areas.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver is becoming more abundant, expanding its range on southern, northern, and eastern fronts.

12-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a bird of modest size, comparable to a sparrow, with a length ranging from 17 to 19 cm. It is predominantly brown with a distinctive broad, white eyebrow stripe and a white rump that becomes conspicuous during flight. Males are marked by a stark black bill, while females exhibit a horn-colored bill, and juveniles possess a pinkish-brown bill. In Zimbabwe, this species may show faint brown spotting across its white breast.

To identify the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, look for the white eyebrow stripe and the white rump in flight. The male's black bill is a key distinguishing feature, contrasting with the female's lighter bill. The bird's size and general brown plumage also aid in identification.

This species is typically found in dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland. It nests in colonies along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is prevalent in north-central southern Africa, with its range extending from Botswana to Tanzania and western Mozambique, and as far north as Ethiopia. It is particularly abundant in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, and southern Malawi.

Groups of two to eleven individuals, including one breeding pair and non-reproductive members, are active year-round, engaging in nest-building. The species is sedentary, with populations remaining in the same area.

The bird's vocalizations include a brief "chik-chick" or a loud, fluid whistle of "cheoop-preeoo-chop."

Breeding occurs mainly in the warmer months, although it can be observed year-round. Nests are constructed on the leeward side of trees to withstand weather conditions, with some nests being used by other bird species.

The Yellow-throated Petronia is similar but can be differentiated by its pinkish brown bill, buff eyebrow stripe, black feet, and yellow shading at the bottom of a white throat. It is also smaller in size and found in different habitats.

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is classified as Least Concern, with populations becoming more abundant and expanding their range in various directions.

9-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa. It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

During his expedition to the interior of southern Africa in 1834–35, Andrew Smith collected specimens of the white-browed sparrow weaver at the Modder River, which he described in 1836, giving it the scientific name Plocepasser mahali.

Smith did not provide an explanation for the species epithet mahali, but is clear it is not a Latin name. Probably it is derived from the vernacular name for the bird in Setswana mogale or from the Sesotho word mohale, a brave or fierce person, which suggests the bird's name may refer to its angry scolding.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver is found in greatest numbers in north-central southern Africa. While this species most densely populates dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland at northern South Africa, its range includes Botswana, northern and central Namibia, and western Zimbabwe. It is seen very often in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia and southern Malawi. Populations may be found as far north as Ethiopia. Populations are sedentary.

Breeding has been observed year round, but occurs mainly in warmer months. Year round, groups of the white-browed sparrow-weaver are active and nest-building. Groups of ten to sixty inverted-U-shaped nests of dry grass appear in the outside limbs of trees, although only several are used for breeding or roosting. While breeding nests have only one entrance, roosting nests have an entrance located at each of the two nest extremities. The construction of these nests shows cultural variations. Research has shown that, throughout a region, nests are located at the leeward side of a tree. This behavior preserves a greater number of intact nests for breeding and roosting. White-browed sparrow-weaver nests are sometimes used by other birds, such as the red-headed finch and ashy tit.