- Where to see one
- 14 U.S. zoos in our directory hold taveta golden weaver, confirmed against each zoo's own animal list.
- Native range
- Southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania
- Size
- A small bird, about the size of a finch
About the Taveta golden weaver
The Taveta golden weaver, also called the Taveta weaver or the mango bird, is a small member of the weaver family, Ploceidae. It takes its name from Taveta, a region in southeastern Kenya near the Tanzanian border, both because the bird occurs there and because of how it weaves its nests. The species is closely related to sparrows and is roughly finch-sized.
The male is the showier of the two sexes: a vibrant golden yellow overall, somewhat duller across the back, with greener wings and tail and brown spots on the chest. The back of the head is red, and the bill is black. Females are more subdued, an olive color with paler streaks.
Although weavers are classified as songbirds, the Taveta golden weaver's calls are not especially musical. Past observers have described the sounds it makes for communication as "weird" rather than pleasant, and the species is better known for its nest-building than its voice.
Behavior and diet
Diet
Mostly seeds, also small insects, corn, and grasses
Taveta golden weavers live in large groups, or colonies. Males build extravagant, oval-shaped nests over water, attaching them to the stems of reeds or grasses. Strong claws and a sturdy bill let the birds weave these complex structures, and within a colony the nests can be numerous enough to fill an entire tree.
Nest-building is also central to courtship. A female chooses her mate based on how impressed she is with his skill in constructing a nest. Once paired, the female lays two or three glossy, dark olive-green eggs, and the offspring are fed by the mother.
The species feeds mostly on seeds, including corn and grasses, though it has also been observed taking small insects.
Range and habitat
Habitat
Bulrushes, woodland, and swampy areas
The Taveta golden weaver is native to savannah country in southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania. Within that range it favors bulrushes, woodland, and swampy or wet areas, generally staying close to water where it can build its nests over reeds or grass stems. Some sightings of the bird have also been recorded in Asia, though its established native range remains East Africa.
Conservation status
The Taveta golden weaver is listed as Least Concern (LC). The species itself is described as currently not endangered, and no specific threats are detailed here.
Where to see taveta golden weaver in the U.S.
14 zoos across 10 states
Find the closest one
Rank the 14 zoos holding taveta golden weaver by how far they are from you. Your location is used in your browser to sort this list and is never sent to us.
Alabama· 1
California· 1
Idaho· 2
Illinois· 3
Indiana· 1
Michigan· 1
New York· 2
North Dakota· 1
Oregon· 1
Virginia· 1
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Built from each zoo's own published animal list.
Taveta Golden Weaver: common questions
Is the Taveta golden weaver endangered?
No. It is listed as Least Concern and is described as currently not endangered.
How big is a Taveta golden weaver?
It is a small bird, about the size of a finch, and closely related to sparrows.
What does a Taveta golden weaver eat?
Mostly seeds, including corn and grasses, along with some small insects.
Where do Taveta golden weavers live in the wild?
On savannah in southeastern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, favoring bulrushes, woodland, and swampy areas.
Which U.S. zoos have Taveta golden weavers?
Nine zoos in our directory list them, including the Oakland Zoo, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Detroit Zoo.
