Weaver Birds of Uganda: 30+ Species
Uganda holds over 30 weaver species — from the common village weaver building its pendant nests over every lake and river to the rare strange weaver of the Rwenzori foothills and the compact weaver of western Uganda forests. Weavers are one of Uganda's most diverse and entertaining bird groups, and their colonial nesting behaviour makes for spectacular observations.
Most Spectacular Weavers
Village weaver: The most abundant — enormous colonies of hundreds of nests over water bodies throughout Uganda. Spectacled weaver: Common in scrub and gardens. Black-headed weaver: Wetland margins. Yellow-backed weaver: Western Uganda forests. Compact weaver: Kibale and Semuliki forest understorey. Strange weaver: Albertine Rift endemic — Rwenzori foothills, best found in gardens and scrub near Fort Portal. Slender-billed weaver: Papyrus wetlands. Dark-backed weaver: Forest canopy. Grosbeak weaver: Mabamba and papyrus swamps.
Strange Weaver — An Albertine Endemic
The strange weaver is one of Uganda's most sought-after Albertine Rift endemics — a dull, streaky weaver that looks nothing like the bright yellow weavers most birders expect. Despite its unassuming appearance it is a top target on the Albertine endemic list. Best found in scrubby habitats and gardens around Fort Portal in western Uganda, particularly near the Rwenzori foothills. An experienced local guide knows the best territories.
Weaver Nesting Behaviour
Male weavers build elaborate woven grass nests and display vigorously to attract females — hanging upside-down from the nest entrance and fluttering their wings. Colonies can contain hundreds of active nests in a single tree. The nesting activity in the dry season (June-August) is at its most spectacular. Lake Victoria shores near Entebbe hold some of Uganda's largest village weaver colonies.