female Cape Weaver Pretoria Botanical Gardens South Africa Oct 6 (2 Viewers)

[49bentley]

Can someone please confirm these to be female Cape Weavers? Taken in Pretoria Botanical Gardens South Africa Oct
Thanks
Chris

 

[Bewick]

Southern masked weaver would be my guess, the alternative option would be village weavers- both due to their white bellies. Pinkish legs and the lack of pale iris should remove lesser masked weaver from being an option. Lack of a distinct red iris and pink bill points to southern masked weaver.

Dull yellow on streaked back, distinct white on median coverts, pink bill with greyish upper mandible with pink base suggests a non-breeding male for 3-4-5-6 I believe (someone with experience with this species can correct me if I am mistaken). I believe 1 is a female due to completely pinkish bill and yellow underbelly.

Not sure how reliably you can separate females from non-breeding males but that's my attempt anyway.

 

[49bentley]

Much appreciated. Thanks Bewick.

 

[Butty]

First thing to think of when a weaver has a honking great bill (like this) is village weaver.

 

[Bewick]

First thing to think of when a weaver has a honking great bill (like this) is village weaver.

Yes, changed my mind- bills far too large. What's the age/gender though?

 

[Butty]

What's the age/gender

You want me to venture even further above my pay-grade?! Nooo chance 🤣

 

[49bentley]

Thanks Butty and Bewick.