The southern masked weaver, also called the African masked weaver, is a resident breeding bird species. It is common throughout southern Africa and often seen in suburban gardens and parks.
The southern masked weaver has a distinctive bright yellow body and black face with red eyes. The male weavers only adopt this bright plumage during the breeding season (spring and early summer) to attract the females. The rest of the time, they lose the face mask and assume a dull yellow-brown plumage with streaks on their backs - the males keep the red eye, while the females have a darker red-brown eye.
The southern masked weaver creates a distinctive woven nest which hangs suspended from a tree. The whole process may take up to 5 days and the more experienced the weaver, the more intricate and attractive the nest.
The female weavers are quite choosey and will select the finest and freshest nest. The male weaver may have to build several abodes before the female is satisfied enough to move in, lining the nest herself before laying her eggs.
The southern masked weaver is parasitised by the Diederik cuckoo. The female cuckoo lays her egg in the host nest, but first, she destroys any eggs or chicks before laying her own egg.