African Weavers: Care, Feeding, and Breeding Guide

The Napoleon Weaver (Euplectes afer), correctly known as the Yellow Crowned Bishop, is a striking member of the Ploceidae family of African weavers. These small birds measure 9.5-13cm in length depending on the subspecies and weigh around 15 grams. During the vibrant breeding season, males showcase brilliant yellow and black plumage, while both sexes appear similar outside this period.

Native to the grasslands, vleis, and pans across much of Africa, the Napoleon Weaver has also been introduced to various locations including Jamaica, Japan, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and a colony in Florida. These birds commonly inhabit wheat and sorghum fields as well as the weedy edges of wetlands, adapting well to these environments.

Keeping Napoleon Weavers

In the wild, Napoleon Weavers live in flocks outside of the breeding season, often mingling with other weavers and sparrows. During breeding, they form family units. In captivity, they do well in mixed aviaries with a variety of bird species when not breeding. However, males can become defensive of their nests during breeding, requiring close monitoring to ensure the safety of smaller birds.

Overcrowding or sparse plant cover can trigger aggression, so a spacious and well-planted aviary is essential. Plants like bamboo, corn, and reeds provide a comfortable environment. It is best not to house them with other weaver species to avoid conflicts, especially during breeding season.

These hardy birds can be housed in large indoor aviaries or sufficiently large outdoor aviaries with a frost-free night shelter during colder months. They are very active, utilise the entirety of their enclosure, and love to bathe. While they do not tend to become tame, their health and well-being is improved by attentive care and fresh water availability.

Feeding African Weavers

In the wild, African Weavers consume a varied diet of insects, grains, and seeds from surrounding plants. In captivity, a seed mixture formulated for tropical birds is suitable, supplemented frequently with insect paste and live insects like mealworms. They also accept fruits such as apples, and will forage on weed seeds and grasses.

Additionally, grit should always be available as it aids digestion. This varied diet supports their energetic nature and breeding needs.

Breeding African Weavers

African Weavers are polygamous. Males build multiple oval nests with a top opening, used to attract females through display. These nests are woven from grass stems, sedges, and parts of shrubs. Females lay 2-4 eggs and incubate them for 12-14 days. Chicks fledge after about 11-13 days and become fully independent by five weeks.

In captivity, breeding follows a similar cycle. Nests are attached securely to shrubs, often using reeds, corn stalks, or bamboo. During chick-rearing, additional protein-rich foods such as spiders, fruit flies, and mealworms are essential. Males defend their territory vigorously and tend to their mates responsibly. Young males developing breeding plumage should be separated to prevent aggression.

Other Weaver Species in Aviculture

Besides the Napoleon Weaver, the Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) and Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) are also commonly kept by enthusiasts in the UK. The Northern Red Bishop displays a black head and bright orange throat and chest during breeding, inhabiting tall grasslands and wetlands south of the Sahara, with introduced populations in Puerto Rico, Martinique, and Guadeloupe.

The Southern Red Bishop, found south of the Equator, is slightly smaller than the Northern species. Its breeding plumage features distinctive orange-red and black patterns. Both species share similar dietary, breeding, and behavioural traits with the Napoleon Weaver.

These species adapt well to outdoor life in the UK with appropriate sheltering, such as a frost-free night house, during colder weather. Males require multiple hens to manage their active breeding behaviours and reduce conflict.

Conclusion

Although not widespread in UK aviculture, African Weavers such as the Napoleon Weaver offer fascinating insights into communal and polygamous bird species. They require careful management mainly due to their breeding season aggression and need for well-planted aviaries. For those interested in keeping these species, sourcing a reputable group and maintaining vigilant enclosure conditions is critical for a rewarding experience.

For those wishing to acquire birds for sale, it is important to seek responsible sellers and consider the specialised care requirements of these captivating African weavers.