Lesser Masked-Weaver (Ploceus intermedius)

Lesser Masked-Weaver
Ploceus intermedius

The *Lesser Masked-Weaver (Ploceus intermedius)* is a common and widespread species of much of southern Africa. The species nests in colonies which can number over a hundred pairs. The nests are woven from grass into round globes and have an entrance hole at the bottom. These nests are often built over water to discourage some predators. The first four shots here were taken near Nylsvley, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Shots 4 through 8 were taken in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Most of the shots show a male bird, but one of the latter shots shows a pair while another shows a female hanging at the nest entrance. All shots were taken in January, 2006, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II & EF 500mm F/4L IS lens and 1.4X extender. See shots of a close relative, the Southern Masked-Weaver here.