Sakalava Weaver

Overview

The Sakalava weaver (Ploceus sakalava), also known as the Sakalava fody, is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a small passerine that currently holds a Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• 15 cm (5.9 in) long and weighing 20–28 g (0.71–0.99 oz).
• Breeding adult males feature a yellow head and upper breast, a pale grey belly, and light brown wings with white wing-tips.
• Males possess a distinctive silver bill that extends in a 'V' shape into the forehead, accompanied by prominent red eye-rings.
• Females resemble a house sparrow with a pale, almost white breast and a duller, slightly pink bill, though they also retain a red eye-ring.

Habitat

Found in the north, west, and south of Madagascar, this species inhabits dry lowland forests and scrubland. Its natural environments are specifically characterised as subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrubland, where it is typically observed in small flocks.

Did you know?

The bird's species epithet 'sakalava' is derived from the Sakalava people, a name that translates to 'people of the long valleys'.