By Gabriel l Mushi - Guide, Greystoke Mahale.
Viellot’s black weaver is one of the passerine birds found in Mahale National Park. The male is glossy black and the female is olive green in plumage coloration. The first thing to warn you of their presence is the ball shaped nest hanging at the tip of reeds branches growing along the lake edge/shore, and others in the shallows and along the River Lubulungu.
They are very vocal and shy birds, fly away when approached very closely. The number of males seems to be many more than that of females. Like other weavers they are polygamous, whereby one male mate with several females. Males court the females by preparing several nests and calling from the nest site while fluttering his wings to attract the female. The female will fly by inspecting the nest and in the world of survival for the fittest she will choose the male that will be able to protect and guard the eggs and chicks, hence pass their genes to next generation. Though there are many nests, only few will be utilized and the remaining ones left for confusing the predators. Though they nest down at the lake edge they as well venture in the forest to feed on fruits mostly in the morning and late afternoon.
