Timing of breeding and primary moult of the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus in the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa

Abstract

Oschadleus, H.D., Underhill, G.D. & Underhill, L.G. 2000. Timing of breeding and primary moult of the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus in the summer and winter rainfall regions of South Africa. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 91–94.

Timing of breeding and moult is analysed in the Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus. It is common throughout southern Africa, which is largely a summer rainfall area. This species expanded its range into the Western Cape, a winter rainfall region, in the twentieth century. The peak breeding period is one month earlier in the winter rainfall area (September to November) than in the summer rainfall area (October to December). The mean starting date of primary moult is one month earlier in the winter rainfall area (9 January) than in the summer rainfall area (15 February). The duration of primary moult is similar in both regions (74 days in the winter rainfall area and 80 days in the summer rainfall area).