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Weaver Wednesday 4 [284] - Weaver themes [21]: Genus Ploceus - 4. 'Nuthatch' weavers

2017-11-22 (809)

Weaver Wednesday 4: Weaver themes (Series)

Nuthatch (bark-gleaning) weavers

These weavers do not form a taxonomic clade, but do from a specilaised ecological group. These insectivorous weavers probe and search the bark crevices of trunks and branches of forest trees for concealed insects, insect eggs, and larvae such as caterpillars, and arthropods. The weavers generally crawl upwards on trunks. This foraging behaviour resembles that of the nuthatches (family Sittidae). The weavers are not similar in appearance, only in their feeding habits.
Red-headed Malimbe

The Yellow-capped Weaver was initially considered to be a nuthatch weaver, but observations show that it feeds in forest foliage. Several malimbes also feed on branches, but usually glean leaves, and only the Red-headed Malimbe climbs up tree trunks. Forest loving weavers that glean from leaves are not included in this grouping.

Bark-gleaning specialists:
Red-headed Malimbe Malimbus rubricollis
Sao Tome Weaver Ploceus sanctithomae
Bar-winged Weaver Ploceus angolensis
Brown-capped Weaver Ploceus insignis
Preuss's Weaver Ploceus preussi
Olive-headed Weaver Ploceus olivaceiceps
Usambara Weaver Ploceus nicolli

Sao Tome Weaver
Bar-winged Weaver
Brown-capped Weaver
Preuss's Weaver
Olive-headed Weaver
Usambara Weaver