Red-billed Buffalo Weaver

The red-billed buffalo weaver got its name because they were supposedly seen trailing after herds of buffalo, snatching up the insects disturbed by the large mammals. However, this behaviour has not been accurately recorded again. These birds live in communal nests, with a single male and his harem of females - they occupy any of several nesting chambers within the structure. Every evening, they arrive home and make a big noise together before climbing into one of the numerous holes in the nest and going to sleep for the night.

DID YOU KNOW?

All the Same

Male and female buffalo weavers have similar markings, but the female is slightly paler with streaks. This difference in plumage is known as sexual dimorphism.

A Diverse Diet

The Red-billed buffalo weaver feeds both on the ground and on the wing (meaning it catches food while it flies). It's diet consists of invertebrates, fruit and seeds.

Three of a Kind

There are three species of buffalo weaver, all found on the African continent: The red and white-billed buffalo weavers (grouped as the black buffalo weavers) and the white-headed buffalo weaver. All three species are fairly large birds that build communal nests.

Close up photo of a red-billed buffalo weaver

Red-billed buffalo weavers build large nests that accommodate many birds.

Photo of two red-billed buffalo weavers sitting outside their nest

A nest will house one male and numerous females

Photo of a red-billed buffalo weaver sitting on nest

There are three species of buffalo weaver in Africa

Close up photo of a red-billed buffalo weaver

Red-billed buffalo weavers build large nests that accommodate many birds.

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Find Out More about Red-billed Buffalo Weavers

If you'd like to read more about these fascinating creatures, follow the links below.

http://www.biodiversityexplorer.info/birds/ploceidae/bubalornis_niger.htm

https://weavers.adu.org.za/sp.php?spp=779