I've been witnessing a flock of birds visiting my neighborhood these days. Few days ago, I chanced upon a flurry of black birds feasting on fresh palm fruits on a nearby farmland. They were chattering away, dropping fruits as they ate, and some children were collecting the fallen fruits underneath.
Getting home this evening, tired and exhausted from the day"s grind, I heard the birds again, this time at my backyard. They were actually in the next compound, surrounded by flowering trees, orange trees, plantain trees and coconut trees.
But there was a difference. While the other flurry of birds had black plumage, the ones in my backyard had a striking yellow plumage with black furry heads, short black beak and long tails.
Based on their distinctive black head, yellow underbelly, and yellow-striped wings, I'm guessing they might be "Black-headed Weavers (Ploceus cucullatus)."
Black-headed weavers are native of sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting savannas, grasslands, and wetlands. Little wonder they're found here in my neighborhood, Aba, Abia State, that has bushes, farmlands, plants and grasses.
Another thing, they sure know how to make a hell of a "noise". 😂 Their loud, high-pitched, melodic calls actually make a symphony of music. Call them "whistlers" and you won't be wrong.
It was their chattering and melodic sing-song that first caught my attention. I looked out the window to see them flitting, hovering over the trees. So I stepped out of the house to have a closer look, my phone in hand, ready for action.
As I watched, I noticed they were collecting plant leaves. Apparently, they were gathering materials for building their nests.
Not wanting this exciting moment to fizzle away, I made a video of the birds in action. I'm thrilled to share it with you.
I hope you'll enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed recording it 😅
Author's Photos
▶️ 3Speak
