Ploceus bicolor
The Afrikaans name for the Dark-backed Weaver is Bosmusikant – “Bush musician” – and a most descriptive moniker that is given its melodious whistling tune, often delivered in duet. This bird has an extremely patchy distribution over the southern half of Africa. Locally they’re found in evergreen forests and dense riverine woodland along our coastline and a bit further inland from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape through Kwazulu-Natal to the border with Mozambique.
Dark-backed Weavers are omnivores, feeding on invertebrates, fruit, flowers and nectar. While they often associate in mixed flocks with other insectivorous birds they never seem to mix with other kinds of weavers. They form permanent, territorial pairs that breed in spring and summer. Weaving the nest at the tip of a thin, bare branch, using vines, creepers and slender leaves, is mostly performed by the male but sometimes the female will help. The clutch of 2-4 eggs are incubated for a little longer than 2 weeks, with the chicks fledging when they’re about 3 weeks old but remaining with their parents for almost two months after leaving the nest. Adults weigh 35g and measure 15cm in length.
The IUCN considers the Dark-backed Weaver to be of least concern.
DeWetsWild 
These are lovely birds and I enjoyed the photos – they look especially cute in the small groups in the trailcam shots. We are most fortunate that they visit our garden birdbaths from time to time. It is always such a thrill to hear them call.
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Having such beautiful birds visit your garden really is one of those blessings we are told to count!
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Absolutely!
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Beautiful bird with a high pitch voice. Thanks, D. 🙂
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They’re quite remarkable, thanks H.J!
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Gaan nou eers kyk of ek sy gesang kan kry. Wonder of ek hom al gehoor het. Mooi duidelike fotos.
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Jy kan gerus hier gaan luister, Ineke: https://www.xeno-canto.org/503145
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Dankie, Sjoe die outjie doen beslis sy bes met sy stem. Kannie dink ek het dit regtig gehoor nie. Moet bysê was nie juis ingstel op voëlgeluide in SA nie. Het dit net geniet om te hoor.
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Hulle is regtig baie nou verbind met ons kuswoude, Ineke, en dit is hoogs onwaarskynlik dat jy hulle enige ander plek sou raakloop.
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Aha, nou verstaan ek.
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Pragtig!
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Dit is hulle beslis, dankie Aletta!
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Another bird I shall have to add to my “one day love to see” list!
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If you need tips on where to go look for them when you come visit South Africa, Kathy, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!
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Interesting post as usual, my friend.
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You are very kind, John – thank you!
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This is a weaver I still need to be introduced to 🙂
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Perhaps on your next visit to Kruger you could spend a while at Cape Vidal along the way, Anne, and be properly introduced to the Dark-backed Weaver!
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That sounds like an excellent plan.
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Wonderful selection of photos of this attractive and interesting bird.
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Thank you very much, Anne!
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What a beautiful whistle on this pretty little one!
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Hearing the forest alive with their calls really is so special!
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