About Ploceus velatus Vieillot, 1819
Ploceus velatus, commonly known as the southern masked weaver, measures 11–14.5 cm (4.3–5.7 in) in length. It has a short, strong, conical bill and pinkish brown legs. Adult males in breeding plumage have a black face, throat and beak, a red eye, bright yellow head and underparts, and a plain yellowish-green back. Females have a pinkish-brown bill, a brown or red-brown eye, and dull greenish-yellow plumage, with darker streaks along the upper back. A female’s throat is yellowish, fading to off-white on the belly. Non-breeding males resemble females, but keep their characteristic red eye. Juveniles of this species look identical to females. The southern masked weaver’s call is a harsh swizzling, comparable to the calls of other weaver species. It also produces a sharp chuk alarm note.
