Red-billed Buffalo Weaver

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Bubalornis niger

Weighing around 78g and measuring 23cm in length, the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver is one of the largest members of the weaver-family (Ploceidae) occurring in South Africa. They occur in dry savannas and open woodlands, showing a preference for areas dominated by thorny trees and heavily grazed areas, often near human habitation. It does most of its foraging on the ground with insects and other invertebrates, seeds and fruit making up the bulk of its diet.

Reb-billed Buffalo Weavers are social birds living in colonies of varying size. In these colonies the adult males have a dominance hierarchy, with the most dominant male having the biggest harem of females. Their nests are huge constructions of thorny twigs with several nest chambers, and often times several of these “lodges” are placed together in the same large tree, utility pole or windpump. Red-billed Buffalo Weavers breed from early spring to late autumn. The females take full responsibility for incubating the clutch of 2-4 eggs over a two-week period, and also care for the chicks until they leave the nest about 3 weeks after hatching.

Being a species that is actually benefited by agriculture and overgrazing, the Red-billed Buffalo Weaver is considered of least concern by the IUCN. They occur in two separate populations in Africa – one in east Africa and the other in southern Africa. In the RSA, Red-billed Buffalo Weavers occur from the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo through Gauteng and the North West to the thorny savannas of the Northern Cape.

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver in Satara
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Baobab with Buffalo Weaver nests
Baobab with Buffalo Weaver nests
Buffalo Weaver nest
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver nest
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver nest
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver (photo by Joubert)

17 thoughts on “Red-billed Buffalo Weaver”

  2. naturebackin

    They are such interesting birds – and their nests too. I also associate them with KNP – wonder if and when our planned (and cancelled) visit to KNP might be possible. In the meantime its safest to stay home …
    Take care.

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    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      I’m holding onto hope that the coming of summer will lift this curse, Carol, and that we’ll all be able to go and replenish our tired souls in our favourite wild places. Till then, stay safe!

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    1. de Wets Wild Post author

      Jy het heeltemal reg daar, Tina. Al ons reise vir die langnaweke in April en die winter skoolvakansie is van die baan, en soos die infeksiesyfers nou die hoogte in skiet twyfel ek of ons planne vir Augustus en September tot volvoering gaan kom. Solank ons gesond bly is die opoffering seker die moeite werd.

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