White-browed sparrow-weaver

The White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali; Afrikaans: Koringvoël) is a predominantly brown,

sparrow-sized weaver found throughout central and northcentral southern Africa.^[1] It is found in

groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and nonreproductive individuals.

Physical Description

It ranges from 17 to 19 centimeters (6.7 to 7.5 inches) in length and is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe

and white rump visible in flight. While the male White-browed Sparrow-weaver sports a black bill, the female's bill is

horn-colored; that of the juvenile is pinkish-brown. In Zimbabwe, the White-browed Sparrow-weaver shows faint brown spotting

across its white breast. ^[2]

The White-throated Sparrow-weaver may either emit a brief "chik-chick" or a loud, fluid, "cheoop-preeoo-chop" whistle.^[2]

The Yellow-throated Petronia has a pinkish brown (not black) bill, a buff (not white) eyebrow stripe, black (not pink)

feet, and yellow shading at the bottom of a white throat. Additionally, the White-browed Sparrow-weaver is larger than the

Yellow-throated Petronia. Unlike the White-browed Sparrow-weaver, the Yellow-throated Petronia may be found in broad-leaved

woodland.^[2]

The White-browed Sparrow-weaver is found in greatest numbers in northcentral southern Africa. While this species most densely

populates northern South Africa, its range includes Botswana, northern and central Namibia, and western

Zimbabwe. Populations are also found as far east as Ethiopia. ^[1]

This species nests along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.^[2]

Because the White-browed Sparrow-weaver nests in colonies, populations are sedentary.^[1]

There are four recognized subspecies of the White-browed Sparrow-weaver.

P. m. mahali is found in the eastern part of the northern Cape Province of South Africa.
P. m. stentor is found from the western part of the norther Cape Province northwards along the Namibian escarpment.
P. m. terricolor is found towards the center of the White-Browed Sparrow-weaver's range, occurring predominantly in

eastern Botswana.

P. m. pectoralis is found in northeastern Zimbabwe along the lower Zambezi river.^[1]

Year round, groups of the White-browed Sparrow-weaver are active and nest-building. Groups of ten to sixty inverted-U-shaped

nests of dry grass appear in the outside limbs of trees, although only several are used for breeding or roosting. While

breeding nests have only one entrance, roosting nests have an entrance located at each of the two nest extremities. Research

has shown that, throughout a region, nests are located at the leeward side of a tree. This behavior preserves a greater number

of intact nests for breeding and roosting. White-browed Sparrow-weaver nests are sometimes used by other birds, such as the

Breeding has been observed year round, but occurrs mainly in warmer months.^[1]

The White-browed Sparrow-weaver is becoming more abundant, expanding its range on southern, northern, and eastern fronts.^[1]

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Harrison, J. A. (1997). The Atlas of South African Birds (PDF). BirdLife South Africa. p. 532. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Sinclair, Ian (2002). Princeton Field Guides: Birds of Southern Africa. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. pp. 396–397. ISBN 0-691--09682-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
^ Ferguson, J. W. H (January-February, 1989). "Environmental Factors Influencing Nest-Site Preference in White-Browed Sparrow-Weavers (Plocepasser Mahali)" (PDF). The Condor. 91 (1): 100–107. Retrieved March, 2007. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)