Hi Everyone,
After several days without a trace, I saw the “Chestnut” Weaver at Naibor again this morning and this time I was armed with the camera. Last time, I was in such a hurry to fetch the camera and record the sighting that I didn’t spend as much time observing the bird as I should have, and when I saw the bird again today, some alarm bells started ringing...
This morning, the weaver was in the midst of 30+ Village Weaver and stood out clearly on account of it’s very washed out plumage, obviously smaller size and apparent lack of any yellow tone – at least on first impression (see IMG_1). Once again, the buffy chest and sharp white edges to the wings were clearly visible but this time other features seemed to contradict the identification...
IMG_2 – shows the bird perched where it shows reddish-brown eye, chestnut-buff chest band and some fine dark streaking at the top of the breast. Also, the legs appear to be grey – all positive. But look at that bi-coloured bill – the lower mandible is almost white! Is this usual for Chestnut? There is also a yellowish tinge to the supercilium and the same colour below the eye.
IMG_3 – shows the bird on the deck. Again the white edges to the flight feathers are clear to see and the back feathers lack any hint of yellow or green – they are light brown with blackish centres. However, there is clearly a yellowish tinge to the sides of the neck – would this be expected on Chestnut Weaver?
IMG_4 – shows the bird in comparison to a Swahili Sparrow, both of which are clearly smaller than the Village Weaver behind. This image also shows the yellowish tinge to the neck, cheeks and supercilium. The face of the bird appears more like a Vitelline Masked Weaver in this image, although the buffy chest and a little on the flanks can still be seen.
Can the fundis please put me out of my misery – is it Chestnut Weaver or not?
Many thanks,
Adam
Naibor Camp, Masai Mara