Southern Masked Weaver

The Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus), or African masked weaver, is a resident-breeding bird species common throughout southern Africa. This weaver inhabits a broad variety of habitats, including shrubland, savanna, grassland, open woodland, inland marshes, and semi-desert regions. It is extremely widespread. It can also be found in parks and gardens in suburbs.

The southern masked weaver has pinkish brown legs and an 11–14.5 cm long body. Its bill is short, robust, and conical. The adult male's breeding plumage includes a basic yellowish-green back, a black face, throat, and beak, red eyes, and bright yellow head and underparts. The female is drab greenish-yellow in color with darker streaks on the upper back. Her bill is pinkish-brown, and she has brown or reddish-brown eyes. On the belly, the throat's yellowish hue fades to off-white. The male who does not reproduce resembles the female but nevertheless has a red eye. This species' young resembles the female in every way.