Weaver, Uganda (1 Viewer)

[Egretta]

A weaver seen at Murchison Falls NP, Uganda. The closest species I can find in my guide (Birds of East Africa, Helm, 2nd ed.) is the Northern Masked Weaver (dark eye, mostly unmarked green back), however it is far from it's usual range as indicated on the map (2 disjunct populations in northern and eastern Kenya). However the text says: ... occasionally reported at Murchison Falls NP and near Fort Portal, western Uganda.
So, have I been lucky enough to see this species so far from it's usual range or is it another species? And does anyone know why it is sometimes reported so far from it's usual range in this specific area?

Thanks, Niels

 

[MacNara]

Your bird is a Black-headed Weaver which is usually a lot less russet on the chest and belly than 'Birds of East Africa' shows. It's fairly common at QENP.

(The black cap in your photo goes far too much behind the bill and down the neck for Northern Masked.)

Also, your bird being in the shade, your camera has made it look darker that it would look in average light:



Two photos of mine from QENP:

 

[THE_FERN]

No I think this is a black-headed weaver, P. melanocephalus. The Fanshawe image differs significantly than the ebird "headline" images which are not as brown underneath.

Edit: note Northern masked has a yellow crown and the edge of its mask is rufous brown

 

[Egretta]

Thank you both! It seems to be Black-Headed Weaver indeed, after looking up a few pictures online. Never in a million years would I have guessed this from the illustration in the guide, so thank you for your help!

 

[Butty]

Black-Headed Weaver . . . Never in a million years would I have guessed this from the illustration in the guide

This issue has come up before in these columns...

Slender-billed Weaver Q E Nat. Park Uganda July

I believe this to be a Slender-billed Weaver, but the amount of chestnut color on his upper chest has me concerned. Taken near Q E Nat. Park Uganda July. Thanks Chris

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