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Little Weaver (Ploceus luteolus)

In den warmen Regionen des subsaharischen Afrikas ist der kleine, aber auffällige Vogel Little Weaver oder auf Deutsch „Kleiner Webervogel“ unter dem zoologischen Namen Ploceus luteolus bekannt. Dieser kleine Singvogel gehört zur Familie der Webervögel (Ploceidae), die für ihre bemerkenswerten Nester bekannt sind, die sie kunstvoll weben und häufig in Gruppen an Ästen von Bäumen oder Sträuchern hängen.

Mit seinem leuchtend gelben Gefieder, das besonders bei den Männchen während der Brutzeit hervorsticht, ist der Kleine Webervogel nicht nur eine Zierde für sein Habitat, sondern auch ein interessanter Beobachtungspunkt für Ornithologen und Vogelliebhaber. Mit einer Körperlänge von etwa 11 bis 14 Zentimetern zählt er zu den eher kleinen Vertretern seiner Familie, wobei seine kompakte Statur und der kurze Schnabel charakteristische Merkmale sind.

Sein Lebensraum erstreckt sich über Graslandschaften, landwirtschaftliche Flächen und lichte Wälder, wo er seine bevorzugte Nahrung – hauptsächlich Insekten und Samen – findet. Der Kleine Webervogel ist eine soziale Art, die oft in kleinen Schwärmen anzutreffen ist und sich außerhalb der Brutzeit mitunter sogar mit anderen Webervogelarten vergesellschaftet.

Die Fortpflanzung und das Brutverhalten dieses Vogels sind besonders faszinierend: Die Männchen zeigen ihr kunstvolles Nestbauhandwerk, indem sie aus Gräsern und anderen Pflanzenfasern komplexe, kugelförmige Nester mit einer seitlichen Eingangsöffnung weben. Diese Nester dienen nicht nur dem Schutz der Eier und Jungvögel vor Räubern und Wettereinflüssen, sondern auch als eindrucksvolles Balzritual, um Weibchen anzulocken.

Little Weaver Fakten

  • Klasse: Vögel (Aves)
  • Ordnung: Sperlingsvögel (Passeriformes)
  • Familie: Webervögel (Ploceidae)
  • Gattung: Ploceus
  • Art: Kleiner Weber (Ploceus luteolus)
  • Verbreitung: Afrika südlich der Sahara, speziell in West-, Zentral-, Ost- und Südafrika
  • Lebensraum: Offene Wälder, Savannen, Buschland, manchmal auch in Kulturlandschaften in der Nähe von Wasser
  • Körpergröße: Etwa 11 bis 14 cm
  • Gewicht: Ungefähr 15 bis 25 g
  • Soziales Verhalten: Gesellig, oft in kleinen Gruppen oder in gemischten Vogelschwärmen
  • Fortpflanzung: Bauen kunstvolle, hängende Nester aus Gräsern und Pflanzenfasern in Bäumen oder Büschen nahe am Wasser; polygam mit komplexen Paarungsritualen
  • Haltung: In der Regel nicht in Gefangenschaft gehalten, da es sich um Wildvögel handelt

Systematik Little Weaver ab Familie

External Characteristics of Little Weaver

The Little Weaver is characterized by its striking yellow plumage, which helps it blend into its grassy habitat while also attracting mates during the breeding season. Males typically exhibit brighter colors compared to females; they have a bright yellow body with a contrasting black mask around the eyes and a darker crown. In contrast, females are generally more subdued in color, with a brownish-yellow hue that provides better camouflage while nesting.The size of the Little Weaver ranges from approximately 12 to 14 cm in length, making it a relatively small bird within its family. Weighing between 20 and 30 grams, it has a slender body that aids in its agility while foraging for food. The beak is conical and strong, perfectly adapted for cracking seeds and gathering plant material for nest building. The differences between male and female plumage are pronounced during the breeding season when males display their vibrant colors to attract potential mates.

Habitat and Origin

The habitat of the Little Weaver predominantly includes grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa. These birds thrive in areas where there is an abundance of grass and nearby water sources, which provide both food and nesting materials. They are often found near rivers or wetlands where they can forage for insects and seeds.In recent years, some populations of Little Weavers have adapted to agricultural landscapes, where they exploit crops as a food source. This adaptability has allowed them to maintain stable populations despite changes in their natural habitats. However, continued habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion poses risks to their long-term survival.

Behavior of Little Weaver

The behavior of the Little Weaver is highly social; these birds often form large colonies that can number in the hundreds or even thousands during the breeding season. Living in such groups provides safety from predators and facilitates cooperative breeding behaviors. Males engage in elaborate courtship displays that include singing and showcasing their vibrant plumage to attract females.Little Weavers are also known for their remarkable nesting abilities. They construct intricate nests that hang from tree branches or reeds, using grasses and other plant materials woven together with great skill. These nests serve as protective environments for their young against predators and harsh weather conditions.

Mating and Breeding

The breeding season for Little Weavers typically coincides with the rainy season when food is plentiful. Males establish territories and engage in courtship displays to attract females. Once paired, they collaborate on nest building; males may build several nests within their territory to entice females.Nests are usually spherical structures with a small entrance hole facing downward, providing protection from predators. After laying eggs—typically between 2 to 4—the female incubates them for about 12 to 14 days while the male guards the territory. After hatching, both parents participate in feeding the chicks until they fledge approximately two weeks later.

Threats and Conservation

While the Little Weaver is not currently classified as endangered, it faces threats primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development. The conversion of grasslands into farmland reduces available nesting sites and food resources.Additionally, climate change poses potential risks by altering rainfall patterns and affecting food availability during critical breeding periods. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are essential for ensuring the long-term survival of this species.

Sources

https://www.hbw.com/species/little-weaver-ploceus-luteolus

https://www.birdlife.org/species/ploceus-luteolus

https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22698387/167307451